FEDERAL PROPOSAL MAY IMPACT ARCHITECTURE
Recently, there has been some news from the administration for which you may be interested; below is a LinkedIN post from current AIA President, Evelyn M. Lee. Below is a link to an article with more details from Architect’s Newspaper published November 24, 2025.
U.S. Department of Education may delist architecture as professional degree under Trump directive
https://www.archpaper.com/2025/11/architecture-degree-trump-directive/
Below is the opening paragraph:
Per stipulations in the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), architecture will no longer be counted as a professional degree by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).
But what does this mean on practical terms.
Beginning in July 2026, new borrowers entering architecture graduate programs will be capped at borrowing $20,500 annually, with a $100,000 aggregate limit.
For professional students, there will be a $50,000 yearly cap, and a $200,000 aggregate limit, DOE shared in a press release, should the re-classification go forward.
In a statement, AIA said that it “strongly opposes any proposal or policy that fails to recognize architects as professionals, particularly when designating which degrees qualify for student loan caps.” AIA continued:
“The title of ‘architect’ is earned through years of rigorous education, extensive professional examinations, and a demanding licensing process. To classify otherwise dismisses the expertise, professional standards, and dedication that define the profession. Lowering the loan cap will reduce the number of architects who can afford to pursue this professional degree and harm American leadership in this field.
AIA will be actively engaged with policymakers to ensure that the essential role and professional standing of architects are properly recognized in federal policy. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity and value of the architectural profession.”
See the article for further comments from ACSA President Jose Gamez and Yale School of Architecture Professor Peggy Dreamer.
Does this proposed change impact you?