Federal Graduate Student Loan Program Changes
How is the university responding to the change in the definition of “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Act?
The One Big Beautiful Act eliminated GradPLUS loans for future graduate student cohorts and established different maximum loan amounts for “graduate students” and “professional students.” The most significant changes go into effect after July 1, 2026 and do not impact current students due to legacy provisions included in the law.
UNH is taking the following steps:
Engaging our federal delegation to advocate for an expanded definition of “professional student” and to support legislation that includes key graduate programs in health and medicine, including MSW, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.
Submitting a public comment on the proposed rule, as we have on prior federal rules, to ensure the impact on our programs and students is considered before the rule is finalized.
Conducting a detailed review of GradPLUS graduate student borrowing patterns, including nursing programs, to determine UNH students who may be impacted.
Evaluating support options that may help offset reductions in federal loan eligibility, including lenders in the private loan market in New Hampshire who can fill the gap.
Expanding financial aid counseling so any impacted students fully understand the range of financing options available to them.
Again, current UNH graduate students are expected to experience limited impact. Our primary focus is on understanding and planning for potential implications for future graduate student cohorts as federal guidance is finalized.
