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This page is your go-to resource for understanding how recent changes to Federal Student Financial Aid affect graduate students. To help you navigate the new lending landscape, this page contains links, resources, and guidance to help you make informed financing decisions.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025 will introduce significant changes to federal financial aid, particularly for graduate students. Beginning July 1, 2026, changes to the law will affect the amount graduate students can borrow, the types of loans available, and their repayment options after graduation. We want to make sure you have the information and support you need to navigate them.
As updates take effect for the 2026–2027 academic year, Student Financial Services will keep this page current and will continue to share information with the Northestern community as it becomes available. While we anticipate final regulations in the spring of 2026, the information on this page reflects our current understanding of the proposed changes, but may be subject to change. We encourage you to bookmark this page and check back regularly.
Every student’s situation is different, and we’re here to help you think through yours. If you have questions or would like to discuss your individual circumstances, please reach out to Student Financial Services using the SFS Inquiry Form.
Which Programs Are Considered “Professional” Under the New Federal Loan Rules?
What Is the New Lifetime Borrowing Cap, and Does My Undergraduate Borrowing Count?
Will Graduate PLUS Loans be an option for the 2026-2027 academic year?
How do I find private Loan Funding?
What Are the Graduate Loan Limits Beginning in the 2026–2027 Academic Year?
To help facilitate your private loan search, Northeastern has partnered with ELM Select. Using the ELM Select tool, you can compare private loans from multiple lenders.
