New student loan rules took effect Wednesday — and the changes may heavily impact women pursuing higher education, particularly those in graduate programs like social work.

Critics warn that the new guidelines, ushered in by the Trump administration’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” will worsen gender, racial and class inequities.

Graduate students used to be able to borrow up to the full cost of tuition over the course of their degree programs.

Now, those pursuing non-professional graduate degrees may borrow $20,500 annually, but no more than $100,000 over their lifetimes. Students in professional programs will be limited to $50,000 annually and $200,000 total.