Iowa
An Iowa university says new loan limits for “professional degrees” could worsen teaching shortage
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.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
Audi Crooks, Jada Williams reflect on loss to Syracuse
Iowa State’s Audi Crooks and Jada Williams discuss what went wrong in the second half for the Cyclones’ to fall to Syracuse.
Iowa State’s first-round exit from the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament has triggered a mass exodus, with a reported eight players leaving the team to enter the transfer portal.
Junior forward Addy Brown announced her decision to “move on” from Iowa State and enter the transfer portal in a social media post on Tuesday, March 24.
“This decision comes after a lot of thought about my future and goals,” Brown wrote in a post shared to social media. “While it’s never easy to move on, I believe this is the right step for me and I’m excited for what’s ahead as I continue to grow and chase my dreams.”
By Thursday, March. 26, several other players followed suit. Junior guard Jada Williams confirmed she’ll be “pursuing my dreams elsewhere” for her senior season. She added in a social media post, “Iowa State will always have a place in my heart and I’ll never forget the Iowa State way.”
Williams transferred to Iowa State for the 2025-26 season after playing for Arizona for the first two years of her career. William averaged career-highs in points (15.3), assists (7.7) and field goal percentage (41.7) in her lone season at Iowa State.
Iowa State freshman guard Reese Beaty, freshman guard Freya Jensen, sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, sophomore guard Aili Tanke, junior forward Alisa Williams and junior center Lilly Taulelei all intend to enter the transfer portal, according to On3’s Talia Goodman.
The transfer portal opens on Monday, April 6, following the NCAA Tournament championship game on Sunday, April 5.
Could Iowa State junior center Audi Crooks be next? Crooks declined to answer whether she would return next season following Iowa State’s 72-63 loss to Syracuse on Saturday, March 21. She instead said, “We’re all still processing everything and just being there for each other right now is the priority. That’s the main thing, making sure everybody is mentally OK through this tough time.”
Crooks had 37 points (17-of-25 FG) and five rebounds in the losing effort against Syracuse.
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@usatoday.com and follow her on X at@CydHenderson.
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Law enforcement has issued thousands of citations since Iowa’s hands-free driving law went into effect, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
The law went into effect in July 2025, prohibiting using phones while driving unless in hands-free mode. Citations started on January 1.
Since then, officers have issued over 2,400 citations and over 1,900 warnings.
The violation is a moving violation in Iowa, with a fine of $170.
Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.
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