Two healthcare groups, the American Academy of Physician Associates and the PA Education Association, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education challenging new federal student loan limits for graduate students, which will take effect on July 1. The new regulations cap federal loans for most graduate students at $20,500 annually and $100,000 total, while allowing designated professional programs, such as law and medicine, to borrow up to $50,000 annually and $200,000 total. The groups argue that physician associate (PA) programs should also qualify for the higher limits, as they meet the criteria for professional degrees. They claim the Education Department's rule will have detrimental effects on PA students, who often incur higher tuition costs than the proposed loan cap. The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to prevent the implementation of the new caps for PA students. In response, the Education Department stated that the changes aim to address rising tuition costs and promote financial stability for students, asserting that many institutions have charged excessive tuition without providing adequate returns on investment.