The Department of Ed Just Devalued Public Health (Here’s What You Need to Know and Do)

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Let’s not sugarcoat it. This feels like another blow.

The U.S. Department of Education has ​proposed changes to how it defines “professional degrees.”​

Surprisingly (and alarmingly) Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degrees are not included in that definition.

If finalized, this rule could reduce financial aid access and disqualify many public health graduates from federal benefits tied to “professional” credentials.

This is not just some technical change. It’s a message.

And for many of us, it feels deeply personal.

Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do right now – whether you’re in school, job hunting, or wondering if you made a mistake pursuing public health.

What’s Actually Happening

The Department of Education is proposing to redefine what counts as a professional degree.

Professional degree categories are tied directly to loan limits and financial aid programs.

In the past, this list included more than 2,000 degree types. The new proposal slashes that to fewer than 600, and ​removes public health entirely​.

Degrees excluded from the new definition include:

  • Public Health (MPH, DrPH)
  • Nursing (MSN, DNP)
  • Social Work (MSW)
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Audiology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Under this rule, students in these fields would not qualify for the same borrowing terms as those in “professional” tracks like law, medicine, or dentistry.

Instead, they’d be capped at the standard $20,500/year federal unsubsidized loan limit – despite MPH programs ​averaging $30,000-$70,000 in total cost​.

These changes make the pathway even harder. This is an attack on the public health field.

Why This Change Feels So Heavy

This proposal doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

This lands during a time when many students and graduates already feel disillusioned with public health.

Here’s the reality:

  • Burnout is rampant: 71% of state/local public health workers report​ symptoms of burnout.​
  • Funding is fragile: Pandemic-era resources are drying up; ​15 states have reduced public health budgets since 2022​.
  • Job prospects are shaky: public health grads compete with global health, and other health professions applicants for fewer roles.
  • Trust in public health is eroding: Politicized attacks and misinformation threaten the legitimacy of the field

And now, the federal government is signaling: “Your work doesn’t count the same.”

That message matters.

It undermines prevention, health equity, and the vital public health systems that keep communities safe and healthy.

Let’s Be Clear: Public Health Is Essential

Public health is not behind the scenes.

Public health may not always make headlines like surgery or courtroom drama (because prevention isn’t always sexy), but its impact is everywhere:

  • Violence prevention
  • Vaccination campaigns
  • Health equity and justice
  • Safe water and sanitation
  • Reduced maternal and infant mortality
  • Climate resilience and disaster response

These outcomes didn’t happen by accident. They were built by public health professionals just like you.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the new definition of “professional degree” should apply to programs that require licensure and a specific set of competencies leading to a narrowly defined occupation.

Yet, because public health isn’t narrowly licensed like law or dentistry, this proposal deems it “not professional enough.” That’s not just shortsighted – it’s dangerous.

Public health is interdisciplinary, systems-focused, community-rooted, and impact-driven.

The lack of a single licensure board isn’t a weakness. It’s a feature.

What’s at Risk if This Passes

This rule change says something loud.

It implies:

  • Prevention doesn’t matter.
  • Upstream solutions are optional.
  • Community-centered work isn’t worth the same investment.

But we know the truth: Everyone wins when public health wins.

4 risk if this passes:

  1. Loan Forgiveness Programs: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) may still apply, but students could be forced to take out higher-interest private loans to cover tuition gaps.
  2. Reduced Enrollment: Schools of public health may see declines in applicants, especially from underrepresented backgrounds.
  3. Workforce Pathway Collapse: A loss of funding access may mean fewer people choosing careers in vital but lower-paid public health roles.
  4. Devaluation of the Field: Symbolically, public health being excluded from the “professional” label sends a clear message: Your contribution doesn’t matter as much.

And society pays the price when public health is sidelined.

What You Can Do Now

Even if this proposal feels out of your hands, your voice – and your plan – still matter. And are needed.

1. Understand the Impact

Check your current and future eligibility for:

Start here: ​StudentAid.gov ​or ask your financial aid office directly.

2. Make your voice heard (Speak Up Before the Window Closes)

The public comment period will be a time for you to raise your voice.

You can leave a short, personal statement here: Submit your comment on Regulations.gov

Don’t overthink it. Say:

  • Why your MPH/DrPH matters
  • Why prevention is professional
  • How this change hurts your ability to serve communities

3. Strengthen your advocacy muscle

  • Share this article on your LinkedIn
  • Start conversations with classmates and professors.
  • Organize peer actions, petitions, or calls to elected officials.
  • Email your department chair: ask what the school is doing to push back
  • Remember: policy decisions can be shifted (but only when people show up).

You’re not just a student. You’re a future leader.

A Quick Plan for Moving Forward

This moment is hard, but it’s not hopeless.

Feel powerless, start here:

  • Write Your Why: Reflect on what brought you to public health. Reaffirm your purpose.
  • Use Your Voice: Post on LinkedIn. Talk to peers. Bring this up in class. Awareness is the first step to action.
  • Talk to Your School: Ask your department how they’re advocating for students. Schools must show up too.
  • Build Your Network: Join communities of likeminded people. Groups like The Public Health Millennial Collective to support you. You’re not alone.
  • Be Strategic, Not Just Upset: Anger without direction burns out. Anger with action builds change.

Remember: Policy doesn’t shift without pressure. And pressure builds when people show up – loudly, consistently, and collectively.

You Belong in Public Health

You may be tired. You may be wondering if this degree was worth it.

But let’s be clear: You didn’t choose public health because it was easy. You chose it because it matters.

And no proposed rule can take that away.

Let’s advocate. Let’s persist. Let’s keep building what public health can be – with people like you leading the way.

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