Federal Student Aid Changes for 2026–27

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes significant changes to federal student aid beginning July 1, 2026. How these changes affect you depends on whether you qualify for a limited exception as a continuing borrower or are subject to the new federal borrowing rules.

Federal Loan Limit Changes

Beginning July 1, 2026, graduate students subject to the new federal borrowing rules may receive up to $20,500 annually in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a $100,000 aggregate limit.

Federal regulations also establish higher limits for students enrolled in certain professional degree programs: up to $50,000 annually and $200,000 aggregate. The University’s treatment of programs that are temporarily considered professional due to ongoing litigation is explained below under Professional Programs.

The Graduate PLUS Loan program is no longer available to graduate and professional students subject to the new borrowing rules beginning July 1, 2026.

Some continuing students may qualify for a limited federal exception allowing them to remain under prior loan limits and retain Graduate PLUS eligibility for a limited time.

Continuing Borrowers

You may qualify for the limited exception if you were enrolled in the same program at the University as of June 30, 2026 and received a Federal Direct Loan for that program before July 1, 2026.

We will review eligibility for the exception based on federal requirements and your borrowing history.

Professional Programs

Due to ongoing federal litigation, the U.S. Department of Education is temporarily treating certain programs, including qualifying Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, as professional degree programs eligible for higher federal loan limits.

Because this designation is temporary and may change as the litigation proceeds, the University will continue to apply the $20,500 annual Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit to MSN and DNP students at this time. This approach is intended to reduce the risk of disruption or unexpected borrowing consequences if federal guidance changes.

We will continue to monitor federal guidance and update this policy as additional information becomes available.

Other Federal Aid Changes

Beginning in 2026–27:

• A new $257,500 lifetime federal student loan limit applies to borrowers subject to the new federal loan rules.
• Federal Direct Loan eligibility will be prorated for less-than-full-time enrollment.
• New Parent PLUS limits are $20,000 per year and $65,000 aggregate per dependent student, subject to limited exceptions for certain continuing borrowers.
• Changes to Pell Grant eligibility and federal student loan repayment plans also take effect.

We’re Here to Help

Federal aid eligibility depends on your program, enrollment, prior borrowing, and other individual circumstances. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services if you have questions about how these changes may affect your financial aid.

Last updated: August 2026