Important Update Regarding Federal Student Loan Eligibility

December 11, 2025

Tempe, Ariz. –

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed a new rule that would change the definition of a “professional degree” for federal student loan eligibility. Under this proposed rule, the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree would no longer qualify as a professional degree for certain federal loan programs.

Why This Matters to You

If implemented, this change could significantly impact future ND students:

• Reduced Federal Loan Access: ND students would be eligible for less than half the federal loan funding available to other healthcare professions such as MDs and DOs.
• Higher Financial Burden: ND students may need to rely on private loans with higher interest rates, which do not qualify for federal loan forgiveness or income-based repayment plans.
• Impact on the Profession: These financial barriers could lead to fewer individuals entering the naturopathic profession, meaning fewer naturopathic doctors to provide the holistic, patient-centered care that so many people rely on.

Sonoran University acknowledges that addressing student loan debt is very important and the University is actively working on curriculum changes that balance knowledge acquisition and competency for patient safety with the total time in the ND Program and associated student costs and loan debt.

Limiting access to affordable financing for professional education creates financial barriers, not solutions. These proposals could have long-term consequences for the future of naturopathic medicine, patient choice, and access to integrative healthcare options.

How You Can Take Action Today

We encourage you to make your voice heard. AANP has put together an actionable alert platform with a pre-written letter you can send to your Congressional Representative and Senators. We recommend you personalize your message with your own story!

When the draft rule is officially published in the coming weeks by the Department of Education, we will need your participation again during the public comment period. Please stay engaged!

Your action takes less than two minutes but is critical to protecting access to naturopathic education, medicine, and the patients who depend on it.

Please share this information with classmates, colleagues, friends and family. The strength of the naturopathic medicine profession depends on the voices of those who believe in the healing power of nature.

Together, we can ensure future students can pursue their passion for naturopathic medicine and the profession continues to thrive.

In Health,

Sonoran University’s  Executive Council