Key Federal Aid Changes
Updates from the Recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act
At TCU, we understand that pursuing higher education requires thoughtful, long-term planning. As federal policies continue to evolve, we remain committed to keeping our community informed with timely, accurate updates.
We will continue to share information on this website to help you stay aware of upcoming changes and how they may affect your academic or professional journey.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided by TCU Financial Aid staff to help orient students to the evolving landscape of higher education funding. While it reflects our good-faith understanding of current federal standards, it does not constitute official guidance and should not be considered definitive. Students are encouraged to review official federal sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Additional details are available at studentaid.gov.
Information For
Starting July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS loans will be capped at $20,000 per student per year, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent student.
Existing Parent PLUS borrowers who have borrowed for their students before July 1, 2026, can continue borrowing under the current limits for the lesser of three years or the student’s expected time to graduate.
The bill includes a provision to prorate loan amounts based on enrollment.
This could mean that part-time graduate students (e.g., those enrolled less than full-time) would only be eligible for a portion of the annual loan limit.
We are awaiting clarification on how this will be applied to graduate and undergraduate students.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans will not be available to new borrowers.
Current borrowers that have borrowed Grad PLUS loans during or before the 2025-2026 academic year may continue to have limited eligibility as they finish their programs.
Students starting graduate school before July 1, 2026, may still be eligible for Grad PLUS under current rules. Specific guidance on this transition is expected but not yet available.
New Unsubsidized loan limits for Graduate students will be up to $20,500/year and a $100,000 aggregate borrowing limit.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans will not be available to new borrowers.
Current borrowers may continue to have limited eligibility as they finish their programs.
New Unsubsidized loan limits for professional students will be up to $50,000/year and a $200,000 aggregate limit.
Professional degrees at TCU are largely limited to: Burnett School of Medicine students (M.D.)
Resources
For additional resources published by Federal Student Aid (FSA) and national associations, please visit:
- National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (NAICU)
- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates (Federal Student Aid)
- Federal Student Loan Program Provisions Effective Upon Enactment Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (GEN-25-04)
Last Updated: 4/7/26