{"id":15346,"date":"2026-06-01T15:56:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T19:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/?page_id=15346"},"modified":"2026-06-05T12:59:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:59:30","slug":"the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act\/","title":{"rendered":"The One Big Beautiful Bill Act"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;45px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"page-title\" style=\"text-align: center\"><span class=\"field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden\">One Big Beautiful Bill Act<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-content\" class=\"block block-system block-system-main-block\">\n<article class=\"node node--type-page node--view-mode-full\">\n<div class=\"node__content\">\n<div class=\"field field--name-field-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items\">\n<div class=\"field__item\">\n<div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--layout paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n<div class=\"layout layout-csi layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field__item\">\n<div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--layout paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n<div class=\"layout layout-csi layout--twocol layout--twocol-left-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--left\">\n<div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--navigations paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n<div class=\"field field--name-field-menu field--type-block-field field--label-hidden field__item\">\n<nav role=\"navigation\" aria-labelledby=\"block-mainnavigation-menu\" id=\"block-mainnavigation\" class=\"block block-menu navigation menu--main\"><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"551\" data-end=\"872\" style=\"text-align: center\">The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also referred to as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), has been signed into law and introduces upcoming changes to federal student aid programs. , and will be implemented based on guidance from the Department of Education. These changes are expected to affect both current and prospective undergraduate and graduate students, including updates to federal loan limits, repayment options, and eligibility requirements for financial aid programs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>There are no changes to federal student aid for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-23px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/102\/2025\/10\/014p1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;014p1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;off|12px|||12px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; alt=&#8221;student sitting down in a circle on campus&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;14.5px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#f2f2f2&#8243; height=&#8221;241px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|||-59px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|32px|30px|32px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;off||12px|12px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Please note:<\/strong> The information shared on this page is currently evolving. Information on this page reflects the current guidance available.<\/p>\n<p>Information may change as federal rules and guidelines are established and we will update this page as new information is received. Students are encouraged to monitor <a class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonybrook.edu\/commcms\/finaid\/Announcements\/studentaid.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">studentaid.gov<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<p>Last Updated: June 1st, 2026<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" style=\"text-align: left\">Major Changes to Federal Student Loans<\/h1>\n<h4 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Starting July 1, 2026, federal student loan borrowing will look significantly different for many students and families. New annual and lifetime caps are being introduced, Graduate PLUS Loans are being eliminated for new borrowers, and loan amounts will be adjusted based on how many credits you take per semester.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#333333&#8243; open_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#EFEFEF&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#E71939&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#E71939&#8243; use_icon_font_size=&#8221;on&#8221; icon_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; toggle_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; closed_toggle_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; closed_toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; body_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|true&#8221; db_closeable=&#8221;on&#8221; db_initial_state=&#8221;all_closed&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#c9c9c9&#8243; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset4&#8243; box_shadow_horizontal=&#8221;7px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical=&#8221;8px&#8221; box_shadow_color=&#8221;#C0C0C0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Graduate Student Loans&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Beginning July 1, 2026, Graduate PLUS Loans will be eliminated for new borrowers. If you are starting a new graduate or professional program in Summer 2026 or later, the graduate plus loan will no longer be available to you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Borrowing annual unsubsidized loans will be capped, based on your program type:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Graduate programs:<\/strong> up to $20,500 per year\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Professional programs:<\/strong> up to $50,000 per year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Lifetime limits will also apply to graduate unsubsidized loans, separate from any debt you carried as an undergraduate:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Graduate programs:<\/strong> $100,000 lifetime cap<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Professional programs:<\/strong> $200,000 lifetime cap<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>No borrower may exceed<\/strong> $257,500 in total federal loans across all levels of study combined (undergraduate, graduate, and professional).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Please note:<\/strong> if you are currently enrolled and received a federal loan disbursement before July 1, 2026, you may qualify for legacy provisions that allow you to continue borrowing under current rules for a limited time. See the Legacy Provisions section below for details.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Parent PLUS Loans&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Starting July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS Loans will have new annual and lifetime caps for new borrowers, which allow parents (combined) to borrow up to the full cost of attendance with no lifetime cap:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Annual limit:<\/strong> $20,000 per year per dependent student<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Lifetime limit: <\/strong>$65,000 per dependent student (without regard to amounts forgiven, repaid, or discharged)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>No borrower may exceed<\/strong> $257,500 in total federal loans across all levels of study combined ( undergraduate, graduate, and professional).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">These limits apply per dependent student. If a family has multiple dependent students enrolled in college, each student is subject to their own separate $65,000 borrowing cap. <strong>The limit applies collectively to all parent borrowers for that student<\/strong> and is not a separate limit for each parent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>A few other things to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Interest accrues on Parent PLUS Loans even while the student is in school<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Parents must pass a credit check to borrow. If denied, the dependent student may be eligible for additional Unsubsidized Loan funds<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Repayment is the parent&#8217;s responsibility and cannot be transferred to the student<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Parents borrowing on or after July 1, 2026 will be subject to the new repayment plan options only (Tiered Standard Repayment or the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP))<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Please note:<\/strong> If your parent received at least one Parent PLUS disbursement before July 1, 2026 while you were enrolled in your current program, they may qualify for legacy provisions. See the Legacy Provisions section below for details.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Loan Proration BASED ON ENROLLMENT&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Beginning in the 2026\u20132027 academic year, federal student loan eligibility will be prorated based on a student\u2019s enrollment status each semester. This means the amount of federal student loans a student may receive can vary depending on the number of credits they are enrolled in at the time of disbursement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Loan proration affects students who are enrolled less than full-time. Beginning in the 2026\u20132027 academic year, part-time students will receive reduced federal student loan amounts based on their enrollment level.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">For federal aid purposes, enrollment status is defined as follows:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Full-Time:<\/strong> 12+ credits per semester\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Half-Time:<\/strong> 6\u201311 credits per semester (subject to loan proration)\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Less than Half-Time:<\/strong> 1\u20135 credits per semester (not eligible for direct loan)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"1017\"><strong>Please note:<\/strong> changes in enrollment after a loan has been disbursed, such as dropping below full-time status, may result in an adjustment to your loan eligibility for the affected semester and any remaining semesters within the academic year.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"1017\">As these are significant changes and may be confusing, we encourage students to contact our Direct Loans Team at <strong data-start=\"680\" data-end=\"707\"><a data-start=\"682\" data-end=\"705\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\">directloans@qc.cuny.edu <\/a><\/strong>for assistance in understanding how their enrollment may affect their federal loan eligibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Changes to Loan Repayment Plans&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">For students who take out new loans on or after July 1, 2026, only two repayment options will be available:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Tiered Standard Repayment: <\/strong>Fixed monthly payments with terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, depending on the total amount borrowed.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): <\/strong>T<span style=\"color: #000000\">here will be monthly payments based on 1-10% of your income<\/span>. Loan forgiveness is available after 30 years (360 payments) or through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Students with loans borrowed <em>before<\/em> July 1, 2026 should contact\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/manage-loans\/repayment\/plans\">studentaid.gov<\/a> or your <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/manage-loans\/repayment\/servicers\">loan servicer<\/a> for guidance on how existing repayment plans are affected.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item\">Federal Student Loans: Before vs After\u00a0<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;14.5px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|true&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;\/* Modern styled table for Divi Text Module *\/||.eligibility-table {||  width: 100%;||  border-collapse: collapse;||  margin-top: 20px;||  font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;||}||||.eligibility-table th,||.eligibility-table td {||  border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; \/* subtle border *\/||  padding: 12px 16px;||  text-align: left;||}||||.eligibility-table th {||  background-color: #e71939; \/* Queens College red *\/||  color: white;||  font-weight: bold;||}||||.eligibility-table tr:nth-child(even) {||  background-color: #f9f9f9; \/* zebra striping for readability *\/||}||||.eligibility-table tr:hover {||  background-color: #ffe5e8; \/* hover effect *\/||}||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<table class=\"eligibility-table\" style=\"background-color: transparent;margin: 0px\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 28.4692%;padding: 8px;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>Loan Feature<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 36.1793%;padding: 8px;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>Before<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 35.3516%;padding: 8px;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>After (OB3 rules &#8211; effective July 2026)<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Graduate PLUS loans<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">Available; could borrow up to full cost of attendance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">Eliminated\u00a0starting July 1, 2026, with limited exception<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Graduate student annual limit<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">$20,500 (Direct Unsubsidized) + Grad PLUS loans<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">$20,500 max per year, no PLUS loans<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Graduate lifetime limit<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">$138,500 (including undergrad loans)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">$100,000 lifetime cap (only loans taken for graduate or professional degree)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Parent PLUS loans<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">Up to cost of attendance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">$20,000 per year, $65,000 lifetime per student<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Overall federal lifetime limit<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">None across all programs combined<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">$257,500 total lifetime cap (undergrad + grad + professional)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Income\u2011driven repayment plans<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">Multiple options (SAVE, PAYE, REPAYE, ICR, IBR)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">Only 1 option: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 28.4692%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Repayment term<\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 36.1793%;text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">20\u201325 years (most IDR plans).<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000\">10 years for Standard Repayment Plan.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000\">Up to 30 years for Consolidated Loans.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;width: 35.3516%;text-align: center\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\">Under <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)<\/span>, there will be monthly payments based on 1-10% of your income. Repayment may extend up to 30 years. <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">Under <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Tiered Standard Repayment<\/span>, there will be fixed monthly payments over 10, 15, 20, or 25 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" style=\"text-align: left\">What these loan changes mean for students<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>If you are an undergraduate student:<\/strong> The core federal loan limits for undergraduates (up to $5,500\u2013$7,500 per year for dependent students) are not being eliminated, but your semester loan amounts will be reduced if you are enrolled part-time. Planning your courses to maintain full-time enrollment can protect your full aid eligibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>If you are or plan to be a graduate student: <\/strong>This is one of the most significant areas of change under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. With the elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans for new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026, graduate students will have updated federal borrowing limits and should review their overall funding plan for their program.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"708\">You should consider:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1c4u7ei\" data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"769\">Reviewing your total cost of attendance for your program<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"5b30yz\" data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"832\">Understanding your annual and lifetime federal loan limits<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ngp35b\" data-start=\"833\" data-end=\"935\">Exploring additional funding options early, such as scholarships, assistantships, or payment plans<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"q79zks\" data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"1032\">Planning ahead to ensure all educational costs are covered over the duration of your program<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As these are significant changes and may be confusing, we encourage students to contact our Direct Loans Team at <strong data-start=\"680\" data-end=\"707\"><a data-start=\"682\" data-end=\"705\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\">directloans@qc.cuny.edu <\/a><\/strong>for assistance in understanding how their enrollment may affect their federal loan eligibility.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Important Notes for Current Students:<\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"><span style=\"font-size: 35px\">Legacy pROVISIONS<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">If you received at least one disbursement of a Federal Loan before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in your current program, you may qualify for legacy borrower status.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">This means:<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" style=\"margin-bottom: 10px\">You may continue borrowing under current loan limits (including Graduate PLUS Loans, if applicable) for up to three additional academic years or until you complete your current program, whichever comes first.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" style=\"margin-bottom: 10px\">These protections apply to your current program only. If you change into a new program, you will be considered a new borrower under the new rules.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" style=\"margin-bottom: 10px\">If you take a leave of absence and return, you will be subject to the new guidelines upon re-enrollment.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\" style=\"margin-bottom: 10px\">Federal Work-Study programs and TAP eligibility are not impacted by these changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" style=\"text-align: left\">fafsa application changes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Beginning with the 2026\u20132027 FAFSA, the following <strong>assets<\/strong> will no longer be counted when calculating your Student Aid Index (SAI):<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">The net worth of a family-owned business with fewer than 100 full-time employees<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">The net worth of a farm on which the family lives<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">The net worth of a family-owned commercial fishing business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|800||on|||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"block-cuny-csi-page-title\" class=\"block block-core block-page-title-block\">\n<h1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" style=\"text-align: left\">federal pell grant changes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"02c79b0f-a333-40a8-abff-b61d7aae782d\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-35\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"user\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pt-12 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-testid=\"bazaar-late-ads-slot-observer\" class=\"pointer-events-none -mb-px h-px w-full opacity-0\">\n<p>Beginning with the 2026\u201327 award year:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Foreign earned income will now be added to adjusted gross income when determining Pell eligibility<\/li>\n<li>Students whose full Cost of Attendance is covered by non-federal grants or scholarships, will not be eligible for Pell<\/li>\n<li>Students with an SAI equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell award will not be eligible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>: If the max Pell is $7,395,\u00a0students with an SAI of 14,790 or higher will not qualify.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Please note:<\/strong> A limited exception applies to dependents of deceased service members and safety officers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"><\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#dddddd&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One Big Beautiful Bill Act The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also referred to as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), has been signed into law and introduces upcoming changes to federal student aid programs. , and will be implemented based on guidance from the Department of Education. These changes are expected to affect [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":306,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"page_category":[],"wf_page_folders":[],"class_list":["post-15346","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/306"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15346"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15346\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"page_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/page_category?post=15346"},{"taxonomy":"wf_page_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/faid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_page_folders?post=15346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}