Graduate students may not get PLUS loans after July 1, 2026
What the document says“for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2026, a graduate or professional student shall not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct PLUS Loan under this part.”
The section adds a new subparagraph (C) to section 455(a)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(a)) making a graduate or professional student ineligible for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2026, subject to the interim exception. It also caps the earlier unsubsidized borrowing rule at periods ending June 30, 2026.
What the document actually says“for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2026, a graduate or professional student shall not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct PLUS Loan under this part.”
A grad or pro student may not get this loan. That covers study starting on or after July 1, 2026.
The loan is the Federal Direct PLUS Loan. One exception covers students already enrolled. Their old limits carry on for a time.
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