Soundbites

Guidance on Grad PLUS Release. The Department of Education released guidance on its recently changed interpretation of whether Graduate PLUS loans would be included under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new lifetime aggregate student loan borrowing limit. In a reversal from the consensus language from negotiated rulemaking and the agency’s proposed rule, Graduate PLUS loans will count toward the new lifetime aggregate borrowing limit for students unless they qualify for the short-term exemption. Students who do not qualify for that exemption, or remain in school following its end, will be subject to the Department’s new interpretation.

Student Aid Alliance Holds Hill Briefing. The Student Aid Alliance held a congressional staff briefing this week focused on the potential impact of the FY 2027 budget and appropriations process on the federal student aid programs. Congressional staff in attendance heard about the positive impact these programs have on students and families from institutional representatives who work in enrollment management and financial aid and two recipients of student aid.