2026–27 Changes to Federal Financial Aid

Note: all information provided below is subject to change or delayed implementation.

Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, there are significant changes being enacted to federal loans.

Parents of Undergraduate Students

  • First-time Parent PLUS loan borrowers have new annual and aggregate loan limits. All parents (combined) may borrow up to $20,000 per year per dependent student. The aggregate loan limit is $65,000 per dependent student.
  • A legacy provision exists if the student is enrolled in the same program in 2026–27 as in 2025–26 (or previous years); and, the parent borrowed in the Direct Loan Program with a Parent PLUS loan before July 1, 2026.

Graduate Students

  • The Graduate PLUS loan for graduate and professional students is being eliminated starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
  • A legacy provision exists if the student is enrolled in the same program in 2026–27 as in 2025–26 (or previous years); and, the student borrowed in the Direct Loan Program before July 1, 2026.
  • Additionally, the aggregate borrowing amount of Federal Direct loans is changing to $100,000 for graduate students, and to $200,000 for law students. Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 annually and law students up to $50,000.

Loan Proration

  • Borrowers enrolled less than full-time will only be able to borrow a prorated maximum loan offer based on enrolled hours.