Architecture No Longer Considered A "Professional Degree" In US

 Architecture no longer considered a "professional degree" in US

Tom Ravenscroft | 24 November 2025

Loans available to architecture students in the USA will be reduced under the terms of president Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, as architecture will not be considered a professional degree.

Under the terms of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the provision of student loans in the USA will be overhauled starting 1 July, 2026, with borrowing amounts set to be determined by whether a degree is considered professional or not.

"Architecture not a "professional degree"

"Architects, along with several careers including other nursing and accounting, will not be considered as "professional degrees", a move that was criticised by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

"The American Institute of Architects strongly opposes any proposal or policy that fails to recognize architects as professionals, particularly when designating which degrees qualify for student loan caps," said the AIA in a statement.

"The title of 'architect' is earned through years of rigorous education, extensive professional examinations, and a demanding licensing process," it continued.

"To classify otherwise dismisses the expertise, professional standards, and dedication that define the profession."

Architecture student loans capped at $20,500

The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which will replace all previous loan programs, will see borrowing capped at $20,500 for "graduate students" and $50,000 for "professional students".

"Beginning on July 1, 2026, the maximum annual amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans – a graduate student, who is not a professional student, may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent shall be $20,500; and a professional student may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent shall be $50,000," states the bill.

The AIA believes that the changes to borrowing determined by the bill will reduce the number of people who can afford to study architecture.

Cap will reduce number that can study architecture

It stated that it will lobby to change the designation of architecture as a non-professional degree.

"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," said the AIA.

"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."

During his second term, Trump is taking an increased interest in architecture. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order to promote classical architecture.

He has recently demolished the East Wing of the White House as part of plans to build a ballroom at the presidential residence and has proposed that a classical-style triumphal arch be built in Washington DC as part of the celebrations to mark America's 250th birthday in 2026.

https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/24/architecture-degree-not-professional-usa/