Student Loan Regulations Finalized—AOA Secures Optometry’s Inclusion

New U.S. Department of Education federal student loan regulations are now final— reflecting a hard-fought AOA advocacy win ensuring optometry is recognized as a professional program, an outcome not extended to all health disciplines.

Effective July 1, 2026, the rules establish updated borrowing limits for graduate and professional students. Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) students qualify for the higher professional loan caps, strengthening the financial pathway into the profession.

• Professional students (including optometry): $50,000 annual / $200,000 aggregate
• Graduate students (including some health disciplines): $20,500 annual / $100,000 aggregate

This distinction reinforces optometry’s standing in federal policy and supports the pipeline of future doctors delivering care in communities nationwide.

AOA will continue advancing policies that recognize optometry’s role in healthcare and protect students’ access to the resources they need.