[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":24},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$ff_AVb1mz7CL9HsTgZxQVejpwnaxFJAKQ33tQkvpFes0":3,"$f2ClVsPfu88IBgzdS9_dD_GzeZ-jkON_3M2MAw5i9qis":23},{"content":4,"contentFormat":5,"authorId":6,"metaTitle":7,"metaDescription":8,"createdAt":9,"updatedAt":9,"id":10,"slug":11,"title":12,"excerpt":13,"featuredImage":14,"authorName":15,"categorySlug":16,"tags":17,"status":18,"publishedAt":19,"readTimeMinutes":20,"viewCount":21,"isFeatured":22},"\u003Cp>For students and parents trying to pay for college in 2026, the familiar advice to “fill out the FAFSA and borrow the rest” is no longer enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The federal reconciliation law commonly called the \u003Cstrong>One Big Beautiful Bill Act\u003C\u002Fstrong>, enacted as Public Law 119-21 on July 4, 2025, made major changes to federal student aid. Many of its most important provisions took effect on July 1, 2026, at the beginning of the 2026–27 award year (Federal Student Aid, 2025).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The law did not eliminate federal student loans. Undergraduate students can still qualify for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and eligible students can still receive grants and work-study. However, it changed how much some families and graduate students may borrow, which repayment plans are available for new loans, and who qualifies for certain Pell Grant benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Those changes are likely to push more borrowers toward institutional payment plans, state programs, employer benefits, family resources, or private student loans. That makes comparison shopping more important—but it does \u003Cstrong>not\u003C\u002Fstrong> mean private borrowing should automatically come first.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For most students, federal grants and federal loans remain the safest starting point because federal loans generally offer fixed rates and stronger repayment protections than private loans (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau [CFPB], 2025a).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here is what students, parents, and graduate borrowers need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>Why College Financing Feels Different in 2026\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>The new rules affect borrowers differently depending on:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether they are undergraduate, graduate, or professional students\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether they had already borrowed for their current program before July 1, 2026\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether a parent plans to use Parent PLUS\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the student’s program qualifies as a professional program under federal rules\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the borrower takes out a new federal loan on or after July 1, 2026\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether scholarships or other grants already cover the full cost of attendance\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>This is one reason families may hear conflicting information. A rule that applies to a new graduate student in fall 2026 may not apply in the same way to a continuing student who borrowed before the cutoff.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Schools may also establish lower federal loan limits for particular programs, provided the limits are applied consistently to students in those programs (Federal Student Aid, 2026a).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>In other words, the federal maximum is not always the amount a school will offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>The Biggest Federal Student Loan Changes\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Ch3>Grad PLUS Has Ended for Most New Borrowers\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>For years, eligible graduate and professional students could combine Direct Unsubsidized Loans with Grad PLUS Loans. Grad PLUS could cover the remaining cost of attendance, after other financial assistance, subject to a credit check.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Beginning July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS is being phased out. Graduate and professional students who do not qualify for a limited exception can no longer use new Grad PLUS loans (Federal Student Aid, 2026b).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>New federal borrowing limits generally are:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ctable style=\"min-width: 75px;\">\u003Ccolgroup>\u003Ccol style=\"min-width: 25px;\">\u003Ccol style=\"min-width: 25px;\">\u003Ccol style=\"min-width: 25px;\">\u003C\u002Fcolgroup>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>Borrower category\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>Annual federal limit\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>Aggregate limit\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>Graduate student\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>$20,500\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>$100,000\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>Professional student\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>$50,000\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\u003Cp>$200,000\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003Cp>These figures apply to affected new borrowers and should be verified with the school because program classification and transition rules matter. The Department of Education confirmed these limits while implementing the law (U.S. Department of Education, 2025).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This change may create a substantial funding gap for students in expensive graduate programs. Consider a program with an annual cost of attendance of $75,000. A graduate student limited to $20,500 in federal borrowing could face a gap of more than $50,000 before accounting for scholarships, employment, savings, or other assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That does not automatically make a private loan affordable. It makes the program’s total cost, expected completion rate, licensing pathway, and likely earnings much more important to investigate before enrolling.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Some Continuing Students May Qualify for an Exception\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>The law includes transition provisions for certain students who had already received federal loans for their current program before the new limits took effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid guidance indicates that students who qualify for the interim exception may continue under the earlier borrowing rules during their expected time to credential, subject to statutory and regulatory conditions (Federal Student Aid, 2026c).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Do not assume that having any previous federal loan is enough. Ask the financial aid office:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Does my existing borrowing history qualify me for the exception?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Is the exception tied to my current institution and program?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>How many academic years remain under the transition period?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Would transferring, stopping out, or changing programs affect my eligibility?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>What federal amount can the school certify for 2026–27?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>Request the answer in writing and keep it with your aid records.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Parent PLUS Loans Now Have Annual and Aggregate Caps\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>Parent PLUS previously allowed eligible parents to borrow up to the school’s cost of attendance minus other aid. That made it possible for a parent to finance a large portion of a student’s remaining bill, even at a high-cost institution.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For academic years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, new Parent PLUS borrowing is generally limited to:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>$20,000 per academic year\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>$65,000 in total per dependent student\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>The aggregate limit applies per dependent student rather than separately to each parent (Federal Student Aid, 2026d, 2026e).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For some families, the limit may reduce the risk of parents taking on debt approaching the full cost of a degree. For others, it may reveal an immediate affordability gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A parent facing such a gap should not begin with the question, “Which lender will approve us?” A better question is, “Is the remaining price realistic without putting retirement, housing stability, or other children’s needs at risk?”\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>What Did Not Disappear\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>The headlines can make it sound as though all federal college financing has been cut off. That is not accurate.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Undergraduate Direct Loans Remain Available\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>Eligible undergraduate students may continue to receive Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Annual limits depend on grade level and dependency status. Federal loans generally have fixed interest rates, and most undergraduate Direct Loans do not require a credit check or cosigner (CFPB, 2025a).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Students should normally use available subsidized loans before unsubsidized or private loans because the federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans during certain periods.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Pell Grants Remain Available\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>The maximum Federal Pell Grant for the 2026–27 award year is \u003Cstrong>$7,395\u003C\u002Fstrong> (Federal Student Aid, 2026f).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The law did, however, modify some eligibility calculations. Beginning with 2026–27:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Certain foreign earned income excluded from federal taxable income is added back when determining Pell eligibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>A student with a Student Aid Index equal to or above twice the maximum Pell Grant is ineligible. For 2026–27, the threshold is $14,790.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>A student generally cannot receive a Pell Grant when nonfederal grants and scholarships already equal or exceed the student’s cost of attendance (Federal Student Aid, 2025b, 2026g).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>These rules will not affect every student, but they may change estimates for some families, especially those with foreign income or substantial outside scholarship assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Workforce Pell Creates a New Option for Some Short Programs\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>The law also expanded Pell Grant eligibility to certain approved short-term workforce programs. These programs must satisfy federal and state certification requirements and meet the regulatory definition of an eligible workforce program (Federal Student Aid, 2026h).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This may help learners pursuing shorter, employment-focused credentials, but not every certificate or training course qualifies. Before enrolling, ask the institution to confirm:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the exact program is approved for Workforce Pell\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The program’s total tuition and required fees\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether credits can transfer\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Completion and job-placement outcomes\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the credential meets state licensing requirements\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>How much Pell eligibility the program will use\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>A school describing a program as “career focused” does not, by itself, make the program eligible for federal aid.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>Federal Repayment Is Changing Too\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>New borrowing rules are only part of the 2026 transition. The law also restructures repayment options.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For eligible borrowers, the Department of Education introduced:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The \u003Cstrong>Repayment Assistance Plan\u003C\u002Fstrong>, an income-driven option\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The \u003Cstrong>Tiered Standard Repayment Plan\u003C\u002Fstrong>, under which the repayment period may vary with the amount borrowed\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>These plans became available beginning July 1, 2026. Some borrowers with older loans have transition choices through 2028, while new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026 may be subject to different plan availability (U.S. Department of Education, 2026a; Federal Student Aid, 2026i).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Students should therefore compare loans based on more than the payment shown for the first year. Review:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Which repayment plans the loan qualifies for\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether payments are tied to income\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>How unpaid interest is treated\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The maximum repayment period\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Deferment and forbearance provisions\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>What happens after missed payments or default\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>The lowest initial payment is not always the lowest-cost option.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>Do Students Really Have Options Outside Federal Loans?\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Yes. But “having options” is not the same as having equally safe or equally affordable options.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A sound funding order usually looks like this:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Grants and scholarships\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Income and savings that can be used without undermining basic needs\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Federal work-study or manageable employment\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Tuition payment plans\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Federal Direct Subsidized Loans\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Parent PLUS, when affordable and available\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>State, institutional, employer, nonprofit, or profession-specific financing\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Private student loans for a carefully calculated remaining gap\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>This order is not universal. A school payment plan, for example, may be more expensive than a loan if it carries high fees or requires payments the family cannot sustain. The point is to compare the \u003Cstrong>complete terms\u003C\u002Fstrong>, not simply the funding category.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>Private Student Loans: When Comparison Matters Most\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Private student loans are education loans made by banks, credit unions, state-affiliated organizations, online lenders, and other private entities. Approval and pricing often depend on the borrower’s or cosigner’s credit profile.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A private loan may help fill a gap after grants, federal aid, and other resources have been exhausted. A well-qualified borrower might also receive a private rate below the rate on a particular federal loan.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>However, private loans generally do not include the full range of federal borrower protections. Private rates may be fixed or variable, and a variable rate can increase over time. Students may also need a creditworthy cosigner (CFPB, 2025a).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Compare the Annual Percentage Rate, Not Just the Advertised Rate\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>The headline rate shown in an advertisement is often the lender’s lowest possible rate. It may be available only to borrowers with excellent credit, a strong cosigner, a particular repayment term, or automatic payments.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Compare the \u003Cstrong>annual percentage rate\u003C\u002Fstrong>, or APR, whenever the disclosures provide it. APR is designed to reflect interest and certain loan costs in one measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Also compare:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Fixed versus variable interest\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Origination, late-payment, and returned-payment fees\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Loan term\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>In-school payment requirements\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Grace period\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Total projected repayment\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Autopay discount and its conditions\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Minimum and maximum borrowing amounts\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Cosigner requirements\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Cosigner-release rules\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Hardship assistance\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Death and disability discharge policies\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the loan can be discharged if the school closes\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether international students are eligible\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the lender requires a U.S. citizen or permanent-resident cosigner\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch3>Compare the Same Loan Structure\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>A five-year fixed-rate loan should not be compared directly with a 15-year variable-rate loan based only on monthly payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The longer loan may show a lower monthly bill but produce much more total interest. A variable loan may begin with a lower rate but become more expensive if the benchmark rate rises.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Ask each lender for estimates using:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The same amount borrowed\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The same repayment term\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The same in-school payment choice\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Either all fixed rates or all variable rates\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The same cosigner information\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The same anticipated graduation date\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>That creates a more meaningful side-by-side comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Apply for Rate Checks Within a Focused Period\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>Some lenders offer prequalification with a soft credit inquiry. Others may conduct a hard inquiry during a full application.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Confirm which type of credit check will occur before submitting personal information. A prequalified quote is also not a final approval; the lender may change the offer after verifying credit, enrollment, income, or school certification.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>Understand the Cosigner’s Risk\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>A cosigner is legally responsible for repayment. Late or missed payments may damage both the student’s and cosigner’s credit. A good cosigner may help the borrower qualify or obtain a lower rate, but that benefit comes with a real legal and financial obligation (CFPB, 2024a).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Before signing, determine:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>What qualifies the cosigner for release\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>How many consecutive payments are required\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the student must meet income and credit standards again\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether release is automatic or must be requested\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>What happens if the student dies or becomes permanently disabled\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Whether the loan becomes immediately due after a cosigner’s death or bankruptcy\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Do not treat “cosigner release available” as a guarantee that release will be approved.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>A Warning About Refinancing Federal Student Loans\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Refinancing can make sense for some borrowers who already have private student loans. A borrower with stable income and stronger credit may be able to replace one or more private loans with a new loan at a lower rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Refinancing federal loans into a private loan is a much bigger decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Once a federal loan is refinanced privately, it no longer qualifies for federal benefits such as federal income-driven repayment, federal deferment and forbearance options, and federal forgiveness or discharge programs. The conversion generally cannot be reversed (CFPB, 2024b).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A lower private interest rate may be attractive, but borrowers should place a value on the protections they are giving up.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Refinancing federal loans may be especially risky for borrowers who:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Work—or may work—in public service\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Have variable or uncertain income\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Expect to use an income-driven plan\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>May return to school\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Are considering military, nonprofit, government, or teaching careers\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Have health or caregiving concerns\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Expect to rely on federal discharge provisions\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch2>Parent PLUS Alternatives Require Careful Comparison\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>The new $20,000 annual Parent PLUS limit may lead more families to compare private parent loans, student loans with a parent cosigner, home-equity borrowing, retirement withdrawals, or installment plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>These options do not place risk on the same person.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A private parent loan is generally the parent’s legal debt. A cosigned student loan usually makes both the student and parent responsible. Home-equity borrowing can put the family’s home at risk. Retirement withdrawals may create taxes, penalties, or long-term savings losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Before using any Parent PLUS alternative, families should answer four questions:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Who is legally responsible for the debt?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Whose credit is affected?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What asset, if any, secures the loan?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What protections exist if the student does not complete the program or earns less than expected?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>Parents should also calculate the payment under a realistic retirement timeline—not only under the lender’s longest available term.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>How Much Could a Lower Rate Actually Save?\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Consider a simplified example:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Amount borrowed: $30,000\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Repayment term: 10 years\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Loan A: 9% fixed interest\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Loan B: 7% fixed interest\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Using standard amortization, Loan A would cost about $380 per month, while Loan B would cost about $348 per month. The lower-rate loan would save roughly $32 per month and close to $3,900 over the full term.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Actual offers, fees, repayment timing, and interest capitalization can change the result. Still, the example shows why comparing qualified offers can matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It also shows why rate shopping cannot fix an unaffordable degree. Saving several thousand dollars in interest is helpful, but it does not make excessive borrowing safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>The Most Important Number Is the Funding Gap\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Before comparing lenders, calculate the school’s \u003Cstrong>true funding gap\u003C\u002Fstrong>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Cost of attendance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cbr>− grants and scholarships\u003Cbr>− savings or current income\u003Cbr>− work-study or planned earnings\u003Cbr>− federal student loans\u003Cbr>− other assistance\u003Cbr>= \u003Cstrong>remaining funding gap\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Use the school’s cost of attendance as a starting point, but build a personal budget. The published figure may not reflect your actual housing, transportation, health insurance, dependent care, international travel, licensing exams, computer needs, or program-specific equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Then calculate the gap for the entire credential—not only the first year.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A school may offer a large first-year scholarship that does not increase when tuition rises. Ask whether each award:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Renews automatically\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Requires a minimum GPA\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Is limited to a set number of semesters\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Covers summer enrollment\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Applies to tuition only\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Changes if the student lives off campus\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Is reduced by outside scholarships\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Is available during clinical, internship, or study-abroad terms\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch2>A 2026 College Funding Checklist\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Ch3>Before Committing to a School\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Complete the 2026–27 FAFSA, even if you believe you will not qualify for need-based aid.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Use the institution’s official net price calculator.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Request a complete aid offer with grants, loans, work-study, and out-of-pocket costs separated.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Ask whether the school has changed its institutional aid because of the federal loan limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Confirm whether your program has a school-imposed borrowing limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Estimate total borrowing through graduation.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Review program completion, transfer, licensing, and earnings information.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Compare at least one lower-cost academic option.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch3>Before Taking a Private Loan\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Exhaust grants, scholarships, and appropriate federal loans first.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Borrow only the verified gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Collect several comparable offers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Check whether rate estimates use soft or hard credit inquiries.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Compare fixed-rate offers separately from variable-rate offers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Review APR, term, monthly payment, and total repayment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Read hardship, deferment, cosigner-release, death, and disability provisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Confirm whether the lender pays the school directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Keep a copy of the application, approval, promissory note, and final disclosure.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch3>Before Refinancing\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Separate federal and private loans.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Confirm which federal protections would be lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Check eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness or income-driven repayment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Compare the new total cost, not only the new monthly payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Check whether the new loan has a fixed or variable rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Avoid extending repayment solely to create a lower payment unless the additional interest is acceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch2>International Students Need a Different Funding Plan\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Most international students are not eligible for U.S. federal student aid. They may need to rely on institutional scholarships, sponsorships, family resources, home-country loans, employer support, or private education loans.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Private lenders that serve international students may require:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Attendance at an eligible U.S. institution\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>A U.S. citizen or permanent-resident cosigner\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Proof of enrollment\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Visa documentation\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Evidence of future earning potential\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>A qualifying academic program\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Some lenders market no-cosigner products, but availability may depend on citizenship, institution, degree level, field, or expected graduation date. International learners should also consider exchange-rate risk. A loan denominated in U.S. dollars can become harder to repay if the borrower later earns income in a weaker currency.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A private loan approval is not evidence that the institution is affordable or that a visa will be issued. Students should separately verify the amount of funding their institution requires for immigration documentation.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>Why the New Limits Could Affect College Prices—and Student Choices\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Supporters of the law argue that unlimited federal graduate and Parent PLUS borrowing allowed institutions to charge prices without sufficient pressure to control costs. The Department of Education has described the new limits as an affordability and accountability measure (U.S. Department of Education, 2026b).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Critics and student-aid advocates have raised concerns that borrowing caps may leave students without enough federal financing for high-cost programs and could increase reliance on private credit. The immediate effect is likely to vary by program, student resources, and institutional response.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The Congressional Budget Office projected that loan-limit provisions would reduce federal lending volume and estimated that the broader repayment changes would substantially reduce federal outlays over the 2025–34 period (Congressional Budget Office, 2025).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That is a federal budget estimate—not a promise that individual borrowers will save money. Some students may borrow less or choose lower-cost programs. Others may replace federal debt with private debt carrying fewer protections. Still others may postpone or abandon enrollment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The practical lesson is not that college has become impossible. It is that students must assess price, financing, and expected value together.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>The Bottom Line\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Funding college in 2026 is more complicated, particularly for graduate students and parents who previously expected federal PLUS loans to cover nearly the full cost of attendance.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Students and families do have options outside federal loans. Private education loans, state financing programs, institutional plans, employer assistance, scholarships, and other resources may close a legitimate funding gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But private loans should be compared only after the student has:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Completed the FAFSA\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Confirmed all grant and scholarship eligibility\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Reviewed federal borrowing options\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Calculated the total program cost\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Compared lower-cost schools or pathways\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Considered the value of federal borrower protections\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Identified the smallest amount that actually needs to be borrowed\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>The right loan is not simply the one with the lowest advertised rate. It is the loan with a manageable total cost, understandable terms, appropriate protections, and a payment the borrower can realistically support.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>Take the Next Step with UniAtlas\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Use \u003Ca target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Funiatlas.org\u002F\">UniAtlas\u003C\u002Fa> to compare university options, explore scholarships, and organize the financial side of your college decision. UniAtlas financial planning resources can help learners estimate net price, model loan payments, examine potential return on investment, and separate grants from borrowed aid when reviewing an award letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Treat every estimate as a planning tool and verify final figures with the university, Federal Student Aid, and the lender before signing an agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch2>References\u003C\u002Fh2>\u003Cp>Congressional Budget Office. (2025, May 15). \u003Cem>Reconciliation recommendations of the House Committee on Education and Workforce\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbo.gov\u002Fpublication\u002F61412\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbo.gov\u002Fpublication\u002F61412\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024a, September 9). \u003Cem>What is a co-signer for a student loan?\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fask-cfpb\u002Fwhat-is-a-co-signer-for-a-student-loan-en-565\u002F\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fask-cfpb\u002Fwhat-is-a-co-signer-for-a-student-loan-en-565\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024b, September 6). \u003Cem>Options for repaying your federal and private student loans\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fpaying-for-college\u002Frepay-student-debt\u002Ffederal-and-private-student-loans\u002F\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fpaying-for-college\u002Frepay-student-debt\u002Ffederal-and-private-student-loans\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2025a, July 14). \u003Cem>Choosing a loan that’s right for you\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fpaying-for-college\u002Fchoose-a-student-loan\u002F\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fpaying-for-college\u002Fchoose-a-student-loan\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2025a, July 18). \u003Cem>Federal student loan program provisions effective upon enactment under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (GEN-25-04)\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Fdear-colleague-letters\u002F2025-07-18\u002Ffederal-student-loan-program-provisions-effective-upon-enactment-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-act\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Fdear-colleague-letters\u002F2025-07-18\u002Ffederal-student-loan-program-provisions-effective-upon-enactment-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-act\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2025b, August 15). \u003Cem>2026–27 FAFSA form and Pell Grant eligibility updates\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Felectronic-announcements\u002F2025-08-15\u002F2026-27-fafsa-form-and-pell-grant-eligibility-updates\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Felectronic-announcements\u002F2025-08-15\u002F2026-27-fafsa-form-and-pell-grant-eligibility-updates\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026a, June 26). \u003Cem>Implementing new institutional authority to set program-level federal student loan limits\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Fdear-colleague-letters\u002F2026-06-26\u002Fimplementing-new-institutional-authority-set-program-level-federal-student-loan-limits\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Fdear-colleague-letters\u002F2026-06-26\u002Fimplementing-new-institutional-authority-set-program-level-federal-student-loan-limits\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026b). \u003Cem>Direct PLUS loans for graduate or professional students\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Funderstand-aid\u002Ftypes\u002Floans\u002Fplus\u002Fgrad\">https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Funderstand-aid\u002Ftypes\u002Floans\u002Fplus\u002Fgrad\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026c, May 20). \u003Cem>Frequently asked questions—Loan limits\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2026-05\u002FLoan%20Limits%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20May%2020.%202026%205%20p.m_.pdf\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2026-05\u002FLoan%20Limits%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20May%2020.%202026%205%20p.m_.pdf\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026d). \u003Cem>Direct PLUS loans for parents\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Funderstand-aid\u002Ftypes\u002Floans\u002Fplus\u002Fparent\">https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Funderstand-aid\u002Ftypes\u002Floans\u002Fplus\u002Fparent\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026e, April 24). \u003Cem>One Big Beautiful Bill Act NSLDS eligibility processing updates\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Felectronic-announcements\u002F2026-04-24\u002Fone-big-beautiful-bill-act-nslds-eligibility-processing-updates-updated-may-7-2026\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Felectronic-announcements\u002F2026-04-24\u002Fone-big-beautiful-bill-act-nslds-eligibility-processing-updates-updated-may-7-2026\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026f). \u003Cem>Don’t miss out on Federal Pell Grants\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Farticles\u002Fdont-miss-out-on-pell-grants\u002F\">https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Farticles\u002Fdont-miss-out-on-pell-grants\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026g). \u003Cem>School-determined requirements\u003C\u002Fem>. In \u003Cem>2026–2027 Federal Student Aid handbook\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Ffsa-handbook\u002F2026-2027\u002Fvol1\u002Fch1-school-determined-requirements\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Ffsa-handbook\u002F2026-2027\u002Fvol1\u002Fch1-school-determined-requirements\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026h, July 1). \u003Cem>Eligible workforce programs—State Workforce Pell certification form available\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Felectronic-announcements\u002F2026-07-01\u002Feligible-workforce-programs-state-workforce-pell-certification-form-available\">https:\u002F\u002Ffsapartners.ed.gov\u002Fknowledge-center\u002Flibrary\u002Felectronic-announcements\u002F2026-07-01\u002Feligible-workforce-programs-state-workforce-pell-certification-form-available\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Federal Student Aid. (2026i). \u003Cem>Federal student loan repayment plans\u003C\u002Fem>. U.S. Department of Education. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Fmanage-loans\u002Frepayment\u002Fplans\">https:\u002F\u002Fstudentaid.gov\u002Fmanage-loans\u002Frepayment\u002Fplans\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>U.S. Department of Education. (2025, November 6). \u003Cem>U.S. Department of Education concludes negotiated rulemaking session to implement One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s loan provisions\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ed.gov\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002Fus-department-of-education-concludes-negotiated-rulemaking-session-implement-one-big-beautiful-bill-acts-loan-provisions\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ed.gov\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002Fus-department-of-education-concludes-negotiated-rulemaking-session-implement-one-big-beautiful-bill-acts-loan-provisions\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>U.S. Department of Education. (2026a, June 9). \u003Cem>Fact sheet: The Trump administration is simplifying student loan repayment\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ed.gov\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002Ffact-sheet-trump-administration-simplifying-student-loan-repayment\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ed.gov\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002Ffact-sheet-trump-administration-simplifying-student-loan-repayment\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>U.S. Department of Education. (2026b, May 6). \u003Cem>Fact sheet: The Trump administration is making college more affordable\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ed.gov\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002Ffact-sheet-trump-administration-making-college-more-affordable\">https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ed.gov\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002Ffact-sheet-trump-administration-making-college-more-affordable\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","html","2763631e-6a50-4ced-874e-360f5383123c","How to Fund College Under the 2026 Loan Rules","Understand 2026 federal student loan changes, Parent PLUS caps, Grad PLUS elimination, private loans, refinancing, and safer ways to compare costs.","2026-08-05T21:46:44.558779Z","542ff926-1c22-491a-b671-82e804726759","funding-college-in-2026-just-got-more-complicatedhere-is-what-changed","Funding College in 2026 Just Got More Complicated—Here Is What Changed","Funding college changed significantly on July 1, 2026. New federal borrowing limits, the end of Grad PLUS for most new graduate borrowers, capped Parent PLUS loans, revised Pell Grant rules, and new repayment plans make it more important than ever to compare the full cost—and the protections—behind every funding option.","https:\u002F\u002Fimages.unsplash.com\u002Fphoto-1772588627327-1eeddcf73c11?q=80&w=1170&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D","UniAtlas Editorial Team","financial-aid","2026 college financial aid, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, student loan changes 2026, Grad PLUS elimination, Parent PLUS limits, private student loans, college loan comparison, graduate school financing, FAFSA 2026–27, student loan refinancing, Pell Grant changes, college funding options","published","2026-08-05T21:46:44.558963Z",29,26,true,[],1786496754331]