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.
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The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.
Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Friday, May 8, 2026, winning numbers for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
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Winning Pick-3 numbers from May 8 drawing
Midday: 0-5-8
Evening: 9-9-2
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Winning Pick-4 numbers from May 8 drawing
Midday: 0-2-7-3
Evening: 0-7-0-6
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Iowa editor. You can send feedback using this form.
IOWA — Iowa’s new restrictions on SNAP benefits are drawing concern from advocates who say the changes could make it harder for families to buy food and could put future summer assistance for children at risk.
The state’s SNAP waiver took effect January 1, 2026, limiting what items can be purchased based on Iowa’s taxable food list. While that includes widely discussed restrictions on soda and candy, the policy also affects certain prepared foods, creating confusion for shoppers.
“Something as small as whether or not a utensil is included in a food item actually impacts whether or not you can continue to purchase that item using your SNAP benefits,” Paige Chickering, Iowa State Manager for the Save the Children Action Network, said.
Advocates say the rules can be difficult to navigate, especially for people relying on quick meals. Items like prepackaged salads or sandwiches may or may not qualify depending on how they are packaged.
At the same time, new legislation slated for the next session at the statehouse could make those restrictions more permanent by requiring Iowa to continue seeking federal approval for the waiver.
That’s raising additional concerns about the future of Summer EBT, also known as “Sun Bucks,” which provides food assistance to children when school is out.
“This makes that food assistance dependent on a decision made in Washington, D.C. that is just arbitrary and not really dependent on the needs of Iowans and Iowa children,” Chickering said.
The program is expected to help around 220,000 children in Iowa during the summer months. Advocates worry leaving it up to federal approval of the waiver could jeopardize that support if policies change. They also point out that SNAP plays a major role in addressing hunger compared to other resources.
“We know that for every one meal provided by an emergency feeding organization, SNAP provides nine,” Chickering said.
Advocates say they support improving nutrition but argue there are more effective, evidence based ways to do that without limiting food choices.
For now, organizations across Iowa are working to help families understand the new rules, while also pushing lawmakers to reconsider how the policy could impact food access moving forward.
Scoop: Iowa Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek snagged a major endorsement for his Senate bid from former Sen. Tom Harkin.
Harkin, who retired in 2015, was the last Democrat to represent Iowa in the Senate. Turek is locked in a competitive primary with state Sen. Zach Wahls in a race that has divided major factions of the Democratic Party.
“I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to win an election, and then to faithfully represent all Iowans, not just those who voted for you,” Harkin said in his endorsement. “That’s why I’m supporting Josh Turek.”
Harkin served in the Senate for 30 years and is the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Turek, who was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, was 11 when the ADA was enacted.
Harkin is a widely sought after endorsement in the Hawkeye State. His decision to wade into the race is notable because Harkin also has a relationship with Wahls.
Wahls called Harkin “one of my closest political mentors,” and said the former senator officiated his wedding in 2021.
Iowa’s Senate primaries are June 2.
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