What is changing?
Starting July 1, 2026, federal law will eliminate the Graduate PLUS loan for new graduate and professional student borrowers and will set new annual limits on federal unsubsidized direct loans. Some returning students may still qualify for old loan limits under a limited “legacy” provision.
Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, annual federal loan limits will also be prorated based on enrollment level. Students enrolled less than full-time will qualify for a reduced annual loan maximum. For example, a student enrolled in six credits instead of nine credits may only be eligible for about 75 percent of the annual loan limit.
Read on to learn how these changes might affect your borrowing, the steps that you can take, and who you can contact with questions. Additional information will be shared with campus as it becomes available.
These loan changes may apply to you if:
You plan to start a Graduate or Professional program in 2026-27.
You are continuing in the same program and borrowed federal loans before July 1, 2026.
You plan to change academic programs or institutions.
You currently rely on Graduate PLUS loans to cover costs.
What you should do
Confirm whether you have previously borrowed a federal direct loan by logging in to StudentAid.gov and reviewing your loan history in your Aid Summary.
Consider how these limits may affect your overall funding plan.
If additional funding may be needed, you may want to review private loan options and compare interest rates, repayment terms, and co-signer requirements.
Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you are unsure how these changes apply to your situation.
*Private loans are not federal loans and have different borrower protections. The Office of Student Financial Aid provides a preferred lender list to help students compare options.