Changes to Federal Student Aid

Significant changes to federal student aid were signed into law with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will affect students starting on July 1, 2026. The below information reflects the most current guidance available and is subject to change as we receive official guidance from the Department of Education.

Part-Time Enrollment and Loan Eligibility

Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, Federal Direct Loans are required to be prorated for students enrolled less than full-time. Full-time enrollment for undergraduate students is 12+ credits. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 9+ credits. The loan amount that can be borrowed will be based on the term credit load. Please note that students are still required to be enrolled at least half- time to borrow federal student loans.

Parents of Undergraduate Students

As of July 1, 2026, first-time Parent PLUS Loan borrowers have new annual and aggregate (lifetime) loan limits:

• The new annual limit is $20,000 per year per dependent student.
• The new aggregate (lifetime) loan limit is $65,000 per dependent student.

An exception exists to allow Parent PLUS borrowers to borrow under the previous limits—called the “legacy provision.” Qualifications for this exception are as follows:

• Student is enrolled as of June 30, 2026,
• Student or their parent(s) previously borrowed a federal loan for their program of study

Graduate Students

As of July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS Loan program for graduate and professional students will be eliminated for all new borrowers.

An exception exists to allow students to still borrow the Graduate PLUS Loan—called the “legacy provision.” Qualifications for this exception are as follows:

• Student is enrolled as of June 30, 2026,
• Student previously borrowed a federal loan for their program of study

Graduate student borrowers have new annual and aggregate loan limits, as well:

• Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 annually in Federal Direct Loans.
• The aggregate borrowing amount of Federal Direct Loans is $100,000 per graduate student.

Note, students that are under legacy provision, will remain at the current aggregate limit of $138,500 including undergraduate borrowing.

Federal Pell Grant Change

Please note that effective July 1, 2026, students who are receiving non-federal grants and scholarships that meet or exceed their full cost of attendance will not be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.

Please contact our office with any questions regarding your financial aid.

Visit Federal Student Aid for the latest updates.