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Dear Valued CSU Global Community,
We are writing to all students with an important update regarding significant federal financial aid regulatory changes taking effect on July 1, 2026, as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While these federal updates affect financial aid eligibility for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year and beyond, we are sharing this information with our entire student body to ensure everyone is aware of these updates and how it impacts any current or potential future use of federal financial aid.
1. New Federal Loan Borrowing Caps
Starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Education is implementing new annual and aggregate (lifetime) limits on federal student loans:
- Graduate Students: Annual loans will be capped at $20,500 per academic year, with a lifetime maximum aggregate limit of $100,000 (previously $138,500).
- Absolute Lifetime Limit: A new absolute lifetime cap of $257,500 will apply to the total amount of federal loans a student can borrow throughout their entire academic career. This limit now explicitly includes Graduate PLUS loans and any loans that have been previously discharged or forgiven.
2. Changes to PLUS Borrowing
Significant changes are also coming to the PLUS loan programs:
- Graduate PLUS Loan Elimination: Effective July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS loan program will be eliminated.
- Parent PLUS Loan Caps: Parent PLUS loans will be limited to $20,000 per year, with a $65,000 lifetime maximum per student.
3. Legacy Borrower Exceptions
Students who are currently enrolled may be eligible for a “Legacy Provision”. If you had a loan disbursement for your current program prior to July 1, 2026, and you remain continuously enrolled in that same program at the same institution, you may be able to continue borrowing under current regulations for up to three academic years or until you complete your program (whichever comes first).
Next Steps
Because these changes are complex and dependent on your individual borrowing history, we strongly encourage you to:
- Review your total loan aggregate: Check your current totals through StudentAid.gov.
- Speak with a Student Finance Advisor: Our team can help you understand how these specific limits and legacy provisions apply to your academic path. You can contact us at 855-212-6700 or financialaid@csuglobal.edu.
- Monitor your inbox: Please note that you may receive additional outreach and personalized communication from our office in the coming weeks depending on your specific financial situation and borrowing history.
Our team is committed to supporting you as these upcoming federal changes begin to go into effect. If you have questions regarding your current loan totals or how this new policy might impact your specific financial aid package for the upcoming 2026-27 year, please reply directly to this email or call the Student Finance Advising Team at 855-212-6700.
Sincerely,
Financial Aid
Colorado State University Global
Phone: 855-212-6700
financialaid@csuglobal.edu