Professional Student Degree Act

This legislation proposes to significantly revise the definition of a professional degree within the Higher Education Act of 1965. Specifically, it amends Section 455(a)(4)(C) by removing an existing reference to a specific Code of Federal Regulations section. The bill establishes a new, detailed definition for a professional degree, describing it as a degree signifying completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a profession, often requiring licensure, and demonstrating a professional skill level beyond a bachelor's degree, as determined by the Secretary. This new definition aims to provide greater clarity and scope for federal student aid eligibility. Additionally, the legislation explicitly enumerates a wide range of degrees that qualify, such as Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Law (J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Nursing (M.S.N., D.N.P., or Ph.D.), along with any other degree meeting the general criteria as determined by the Secretary.