AACTE Denounces Department of Education’s Decision to Limit Student Loan Access for Educators

Statement from AACTE President and CEO Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D.

(April 30, 2026, Washington, D.C.) — AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) is strongly dismayed by the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to restrict access to federal student loans for students pursuing degrees in education.

By adopting a definition that limits access to federal student loans for certain professions, the Department risks cutting off pathways into essential fields. Education, like health care and social work, requires rigorous preparation. Limiting access to federal loans for these programs does not reduce their costs but merely shifts the burden onto students who are already weighing whether they can afford to enter the profession at all.

This action comes despite an overwhelming volume of public comments from students, institutions, associations, and bipartisan lawmakers who reinforced the urgent need for sustained and expanded federal financial support for those entering high-need professions. The consequences are significant and far-reaching. The nation continues to face persistent educator shortages, and this decision is likely to reduce the pipeline of qualified teachers, school counselors, principals, and other education professionals. When students cannot access financing, enrollment declines, and school systems across the country are affected.

AACTE stands in solidarity with other fields impacted by these limitations. The demand for well-prepared professionals in education, health care, and community services remains high, and intersects when we consider the factors that must come into play for children to receive a quality education. Policies that restrict access to preparation programs limit opportunity, weaken the national workforce, and place our nation’s learners at risk.

We urge Congress to intervene and establish a student loan eligibility policy that recognizes the essential role federal financial aid plays in sustaining the educator pipeline. Addressing the college affordability crisis is not separate from solving the educator shortage; it is central to it.

AACTE remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure all aspiring educators have equitable access to the preparation they need to serve our nation’s students.

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About AACTE

Established in 1948, AACTE is the leading voice in educator preparation. AACTE’s member institutions and programs prepare the greatest number of professional educators in the United States and its territories, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and college faculty. These professional educators are prepared for careers in PK-12 classrooms, colleges and universities, state and governmental agencies, policy institutes, and non-profit organizations. Learn more at aacte.org.