CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – The University of Northern Iowa said it’s preparing to offer students more resources on their loan options.

That’s after the Trump administration made changes to the list of “professional degrees” to exclude certain graduate programs like teaching from higher federal loan limits.

Starting July 1, 2026, graduate students studying to work as teachers, nurse practitioners, social workers, physician assistants and occupational therapists, among other careers, will not be considered part of the “professional” level.

Freshman Jalynn Peterson is studying elementary education. She’s dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was a kid.

She’s not taking out any student loans now, but said she might have to for her master’s degree in administration.

“When you’re freshly 18 or freshly starting a job, you don’t have that money racked up to like just pay for grad school right off hand,” Peterson said. “So, loans are definitely important to like getting your education and getting a good education.”

Director of Financial Aid Tim Bakula said students like Peterson have been asking about upcoming loan caps for some graduate programs.

“There are many students that are concerned, ‘Am I gonna have enough money after my graduate level $20,500 that’s available to me?’ Bakula said. ”And unfortunately some of those students are gonna need to look at private loans if they’re already maxing out.”

The National Center for Education Statistics shows more than half of U.S. public school teachers have a masters degree or higher — meaning this change would affect many students who go on to become teachers.

“What might that mean for students thinking, ‘I just can’t do this if I don’t have a federal loan available?’ Bakula said. ”I think that’s a very legitimate concern.”

While Iowa’s teacher shortage this school year is less than the national average, there are still open positions with no one to fill them in Iowa’s schools.

This change in loan policy could exacerbate the problem.

“Really work with your aid office to determine what might be your best path forward,” Bakula said.

For Peterson, decisions about graduate school are still a way’s off. She’s just eager to get her bachelor’s and start leading her classroom.

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Penn State made a key hire for Matt Campbell’s first staff in Happy Valley simultaneously as it announced Campbell’s deal: retaining interim head coach Terry Smith on a long-term contract.

But Campbell has many other staff positions to fill out between now and the start of the 2026 season. And according to multiple reports, he’s made his first one.

Iowa State assistant athletic director for player personnel Derek Hoodjer is set to follow Campbell to Penn State. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported the news Sunday morning.

Hoodjer was a longtime Cyclones assistant, serving in Ames since 2011 in various roles, including as a defensive graduate assistant and a recruiting staffer. His time with the Cyclones started as a student, and he graduated from Iowa State in 2014.

Hoodjer is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He is a key cog in Campbell’s recruiting efforts. Iowa State has signed top-50 classes multiple times under Campbell despite having fewer financial resources than most Power Four programs.

Campbell could certainly bring more Iowa State personnel with him to Penn State. But Hoodjer represents the first big domino in the hiring process.

Campbell is set to be introduced as the 17th head coach in Penn State history on Monday, pending approval from the Board of Trustees in the morning.

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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — TJ Williams scored nine of his 18 points in overtime to lead Wichita State over Northern Iowa 74-69 on Saturday night.

Williams added nine rebounds for the Shockers (6-4). Michael Gray Jr. had 15 points and Kenyon Giles scored 12, adding three steals. Gray made two free throws with 10 seconds left to force OT tied at 59.

Tristan Smith led the way for the Panthers (7-2) with 16 points. Will Hornseth added 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Trey Campbell had 14 points.

Wichita State entered halftime up 35-28. Dre Kindell paced the team in the first half with 10 points.

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