Changes to Financial Aid Beginning in Fall 2026

1. New Federal Loan Limits

Starting July 1, 2026, the amount you can borrow in federal student loans will be based on your grade level, dependency status and how many credits you’re taking. 

Instead of using only "full-time" or "part-time" status, your federal student loan amount is now based on your enrollment intensity, which is the percentage of full-time credits you're taking.

This means:

• Taking fewer credits = receiving a smaller loan
• Dropping a class = loan amount may decrease
• Adding a class (before disbursement) = loan amount may increase

This rule applies to Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

Inset Anchor Here.

Enrollment Requirements & Loan Impact

Enrollment Status	Credit Hours (Standard Term)	Enrollment Intensity	Annual Loan Eligibility Effect
Full-Time	12 or more	100%	100% of maximum annual loan limit
Three-Quarter-Time	9 - 11	75%	Reduced proportionally (75% of limit)
Half-Time	6 - 8	50%	Reduced proportionally (50% of limit)
Less Than Half-Time	Below 6 credits	Below 50%	Ineligible for loan disbursement

Full-Time

Credit Hours (Standard Term)

12 or more

Enrollment Intensity

100%

Annual Loan Eligibility Effect

100% of maximum annual loan limit

Three-Quarter-Time

Credit Hours (Standard Term)

9 - 11

Enrollment Intensity

75%

Annual Loan Eligibility Effect

Reduced proportionally
(75% of limit)

Half-Time

Credit Hours (Standard Term)

6 - 8

Enrollment Intensity

50%

Annual Loan Eligibility Effect

Reduced proportionally
(50% of limit)

Less Than Half-Time

Credit Hours (Standard Term)

Below 6 credits

Enrollment Intensity

Below 50%

Annual Loan Eligibility Effect

Ineligible for loan disbursement

 

What Happens If You Change Your Schedule?
Because loan amounts are tied to enrollment intensity, dropping or withdrawing from classes can reduce your loan eligibility.

• If you drop a class: Your enrollment intensity may decrease resulting in your loan possibly being reduced.
• If you withdraw from a class: Your loan amount may decrease, and you may still be responsible for tuition charges.
• If you withdraw from all classes: A Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation is required, and you may owe a balance.
  
  

2. New Loan Limits for Parent PLUS Loans

There are new borrowing limits for Parent PLUS Loans:

• the parent can borrow up to $20,000 per year for each student
• total borrowing limit is $65,000 per student

If you borrowed federal student loans before the new Big Beautiful Bill Act changes, you are considered a Legacy Borrower. This means your loans may follow a different set of rules than students borrowing for the first time under the new system.

Legacy Borrowers may:

• Keep their original loan limits, depending on their borrowing history
• See different proration rules compared to new borrowers
• Have access to transition protections designed to prevent sudden changes to their aid
• Continue under certain previous loan terms unless they choose to opt into the new structure

If you’re unsure whether you are a Legacy Borrower or how these updates apply to you, our Financial Aid Office can help you review your status and understand your options.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect you, we encourage you to reach out:

Academic Advising: Get help selecting the right courses and staying on track toward your degree.

Financial Aid: Get support understanding your loan eligibility and how your enrollment level may impact your aid.

Connect online with an advisor

 Additional Resources

• Federal Student Aid's One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates
• What New Parent Borrowers Need to Know
• What Current Parent Borrowers Need to Know