OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of states have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a newly finalized rule that limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing certain professional degree programs, including healthcare-related fields.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the lawsuit argues the federal rule unlawfully narrows the definition of a “professional degree” and imposes restrictions not authorized by Congress. State officials say the change could reduce financial aid access for students seeking advanced education in fields facing workforce shortages.

“Our state needs nurses and other healthcare workers, but this unlawful rule will make it much more difficult for Washingtonians to pursue professional degrees,” Brown said in a statement.

The lawsuit states the rule excludes several healthcare-related programs from the federal definition of professional degrees, including nurse practitioner, physician assistant, physical and occupational therapy, and audiology programs. State officials argue the changes could worsen existing shortages in healthcare and other critical professions.

The Attorney General’s Office said the rule affects hundreds of students in Washington, including those attending programs at the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University. Officials noted the University of Washington’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program alone has more than 360 students who could be impacted by new loan caps.

The complaint also challenges provisions tied to currently enrolled students. The coalition argues some students who transfer schools or temporarily leave and later return to their programs could lose protections that delay implementation of the new loan caps.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and is being co-led by attorneys general from Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, and New York. Washington joined more than 20 other states and jurisdictions in the legal challenge.

The Attorney General’s Office said the case marks Washington’s 60th lawsuit filed against the current federal administration.