May 1, 2026
Statement from DNPs of Color
DNPs of Color opposes the exclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing education from professional degree designation under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule issued by the U.S. Department of Education. This policy restricts access to federal loan structures that support graduate and doctoral nursing education. The restriction directly affects nurses enrolled in or pursuing advanced degrees, including MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN programs.
The constituency of DNPs of Color consists of graduate-prepared nurses and those actively advancing through doctoral education. Reduced access to financing increases out-of-pocket costs, delays program completion, and limits entry into advanced practice, faculty, and leadership roles.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares nurses to lead in policy, clinical innovation, implement evidence-based care, and improve patient outcomes at scale. Barriers to DNP education reduce workforce capacity and weaken healthcare delivery systems. Nurses of color face higher financial barriers in graduate education. Reduced loan access limits participation in doctoral pathways and restricts representation in advanced practice and leadership positions.
Federal education policy determines workforce access. Restrictions on graduate nursing education reduce the supply of highly trained clinicians and educators. Healthcare systems rely on this workforce to expand access to care and address shortages.
DNPs of Color calls for immediate federal action:
- Amend the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1087e) to explicitly include MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN programs as professional degree programs eligible for Graduate PLUS loan access and appropriate borrowing limits.
- Recognize the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the terminal clinical practice degree within federal student aid policy, with financing structures that reflect the cost and rigor of doctoral-level preparation.
- Ensure equitable access to federal financing and repayment pathways for advanced nursing education, including Graduate PLUS loans and loan repayment protections that support progression into advanced practice, faculty, and leadership roles.
- Expand loan repayment and service-based incentives for DNP-prepared nurses serving in high-need, rural, and underserved communities.
- Invest in academic–practice workforce partnerships that support DNP education, including models that offset educational costs and accelerate workforce entry into clinical, faculty, and executive roles.
Restrictions on graduate nursing education reduce workforce supply, limit leadership development, and weaken access to care. DNPs of Color will continue to advocate for policies that expand access to doctoral education and strengthen the nursing workforce.
Call to Action
As an organization, DNPs of Color encourages all members of DNPs of Color and the broader nursing community to engage in this issue by contacting their elected officials and urging action to ensure equitable access to graduate and doctoral nursing education. Healthcare workforce stability depends on policies that support educational access and advancement.
