He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.

Benjamin Pinckney, 46, has aspired to become a physician assistant since a life-changing experience in his early twenties when he was hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Inspired by a physician assistant who warned him about the dangers faced by Black men with similar injuries, Pinckney vowed to change his life. After working for New York City’s Department of Sanitation and as an Army Reserve medic, he graduated with honors from Lehman College. Now living in Maryland, he plans to apply to physician assistant school but fears new federal student loan limits may hinder his dream. Starting July 1, graduate students face borrowing caps due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump. Critics argue these limits are too low, potentially forcing students to rely on private loans with higher interest rates. This change could deter minorities and low-income individuals from pursuing graduate education, impacting diversity in healthcare. QUESTION: How might the new federal student loan limits affect the diversity and accessibility of graduate education in fields like healthcare?