In response to the Department of Education’s decision to lower loan limits for postbaccalaureate degrees, Neumann University has reduced tuition rates for three graduate degree programs and frozen tuition costs for all other graduate programs in 2026-27.

The lower tuition rates are for master’s degrees in nursing ($750/credit) and cybersecurity ($800/credit) and the doctor of nursing practice program ($800/credit). These new rates reflect tuition reductions of 15% to 29%.

For institutions that partner with Neumann, the current 20% discount rate will continue next year with no increase in the per-credit rate.

“These reduced and flat tuition levels will provide more Neumann University graduate students – most of whom are part-time – the opportunity to have their financial needs met by the smaller loan amounts that are available under the new federal regulations,” explains Bettsy McKlaine, assistant vice president for graduate, adult and online programs.

“Our graduate programs are convenient, flexible and affordable,” she says, “and our reduced tuition rates maximize the value of federal loans that will be significantly limited after July 1.”

In late April, the federal government finalized regulations that will lower loan limits for students seeking graduate degrees that do not meet the Department of Education’s definition of “professional” programs. The DOE does not designate nursing as a professional program.

“Our nursing programs have a long and successful history, and we believe that nurses are professionals,” McKlaine states.

Under the new DOE rules, full-time students who enroll in graduate degree programs that are not designated “professional” will have access to just $20,500 in loans per year. Part-time students may borrow a portion of that total, depending on several factors, including the number of credits taken per year.

Some college admissions professionals believe that the new federal loan limits will deter students from being able to finance high-demand degrees, many of which involve health care, and result in a shortage of health practitioners.

Both the Department of Education’s reduced loan limits and Neumann’s lower tuition rates take effect on July 1, 2026.

To learn more about Neumann University’s graduate programs, visit www.neumann.edu/graduate.