You cant just cut down the costs South Bay grad students ponder future with loan limits

President Donald Trump's recent legislation imposes strict limits on federal loans for graduate students, alarming aspiring medical professionals. Natalia Zamora, a 24-year-old immigrant, expressed concern that the changes will deter low-income individuals from entering medicine. The new law caps federal loans for licensed professions at $50,000 annually, while non-licensed degrees face even lower limits of $20,500. As tuition costs continue to rise—Zamora's Stanford program costs $110,000 annually—students may need to resort to pricier private loans, which often carry higher interest rates. Experts warn that reduced access to education for students of color could deepen health disparities, especially in underserved communities.

Alma Burrell of Roots Community Health highlighted that fewer doctors from diverse backgrounds could worsen patient outcomes and increase distrust in the medical establishment. Research shows patients with doctors of the same background generally have better communication and care. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.