About this Event
What Is a Professional Degree?
NBMBAA Austin Chapter General Body Meeting & Policy Impact Panel
The National Black MBA Association – Austin Chapter invites members, partners, and the broader community to attend this official General Body Meeting, featuring a timely panel discussion on the future of professional degrees and federal student aid policy.
Recent proposals from the U.S. Department of Education—introduced under the Trump administration and scheduled to impact new borrowers beginning July 2026—would significantly narrow what qualifies as a “professional degree” for federal student loan purposes. Under these changes, several high-demand fields, including nursing, social work, and physical therapy, would lose access to higher federal loan limits traditionally available to professional programs.
These proposed changes raise critical questions for students, professionals, and institutions alike:
- Who determines what qualifies as a professional degree?
- How do these definitions affect access to education and career mobility?
- What are the long-term implications for healthcare, social services, and community-based professions?
- How can professionals and organizations prepare for and respond to these shifts?
During this General Body Meeting, chapter leaders will provide updates on NBMBAA Austin initiatives, followed by a moderated discussion featuring distinguished leaders in healthcare, business, and community development. Panelists will explore the policy landscape, workforce implications, and practical considerations for current and future professionals navigating rising education costs and evolving federal guidelines.
This conversation is not about partisanship—it is about access, equity, workforce readiness, and informed decision-making in professions that are essential to the health and stability of our communities.
📅 Date: January 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎓 Format: NBMBAA Austin Chapter General Body Meeting + Panel Discussion
🔗 Registration Required
All members are encouraged to attend, and guests are welcome. Join us for an evening of insight, dialogue, and leadership as we examine how policy decisions today shape the professional pathways of tomorrow.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, United States
USD 0.00
