Whether you are entering your freshman year or are currently enrolled in school, the Big Beautiful Bill has set caps on federal funding. (2025 - 2026)

First Year : $5,500 ($3,500 max subsidized)

Second Year: $6,500 ($4,500 max subsidized)

Third Year+ : $7,500 ($5,500 max subsidized)

Lifetime: $31,000 ($23,000 max subsidized)

Graduate students are now seeing federal caps until June 30, 2026 and then facing even more changed beginning July 1, 2026.

Until June 30, 2026 Graduate PLUS Loan: Up to total cost of attendance Direct Unsubsidized: Annual cap of $20,500; Lifetime limit $138,500 Overall Lifetime Cap: No federal cap

Starting July 1, 2026 Grad PLUS Loans: ELIMINATED Direct Unsubsidized: Annual cap $20,500; Lifetime $100,000 Professional Degree: Annual cap $50,000; Lifetime $200,000

The Big Beautiful Bill has made significant changes to Parent PLUS loans for dependent students.

Annual cap: $20,000 per year per dependent student

Lifetime cap: $65,000 per student