Beginning July 1, 2026, the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan program will be discontinued for all new borrowers. We urge current and prospective students to review the information below carefully.
Grad PLUS Loans Are Being Phased Out
Following recent federal legislation, the Grad PLUS Loan program will be eliminated for new borrowers in any degree program starting July 1, 2026.
Our primary goal is to provide clear, timely information to help you navigate these changes and plan for your educational funding.
The "Legacy Provision" for Current Borrowers (Strictly Conditional)
A "legacy provision" has been included to protect students who have already begun borrowing. However, this status is strictly conditional and subject to federal requirements.
Eligibility: Students who start any new degree program and receive a Grad PLUS disbursement before July 1, 2026, are eligible for initial consideration under the “legacy provision.”
Continuation and Strict Conditions: Eligibility for continued Grad PLUS borrowing is NOT guaranteed and is subject to the following three strict federal requirements. Failure to meet any of these conditions will result in the immediate LOSS of Grad PLUS eligibility, and the student will be subject to the new policy:
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The student must borrow a Grad PLUS Loan during their graduate program prior to July 1, 2026.
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The student must remain continuously enrolled in the same program of study. If the student changes programs, withdraws, or takes a semester off, they will lose eligibility.
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The student must finish their program within three years of their original start date. Continued eligibility will not extend past this three-year limit or the program end date, whichever comes first.
The financial aid office strongly encourages early matriculants to complete all required federal loan steps (such as the FAFSA and Master Promissory Note) and secure a disbursement before the July 1, 2026 deadline to initially secure this conditional eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. What is the main change to federal student aid? The Federal Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) loan program will be eliminated for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026.2. Who is considered a "new borrower"? You are considered a new borrower if you enroll in a graduate or professional program and have not received a Grad PLUS loan disbursement prior to July 1, 2026.3. I am a current student with a Grad PLUS loan. How does this affect me? If you secure a Grad PLUS Loan disbursed before July 1, 2026, you may continue borrowing through the Grad PLUS program only if you meet and maintain the three strict conditions of the legacy provision outlined above. This continued eligibility is limited to up to three additional years or until the end of your program, whichever comes first. Crucially, you will lose all Grad PLUS eligibility if you:
- Change programs or withdraw or take a semester off.
- Do not complete your program within three years of your original start date.
4. I plan to start my program after July 1, 2026. What are my funding options? You will still be eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The annual borrowing limit for this loan is $20,500, with a lifetime maximum of $100,000 for graduate studies. We strongly advise you to contact a financial aid counselor to discuss how to cover your funding gap. This may include private loans, scholarships, or other institutional aid.5. What should I do right now? If you plan to enroll before July 1, 2026: Complete your FAFSA and Master Promissory Note (MPN) as early as possible to ensure you can receive a Grad PLUS disbursement before the deadline and understand the strict conditions for continuation. If you plan to enroll after July 1, 2026: Begin researching alternative funding sources and schedule a meeting with a financial aid counselor.We Are Here to Help
We understand these changes may be concerning. Our financial aid counselors are available to help you create a personalized funding plan, determine your funding gap, and explore what alternative loans may be available.
