Federal Student Loans and Other Financial Aid Why Saybrook Why Saybrook Because you will learn how to transform societies and communities, and also yourself. Our Humanistic Approach We believe people are greater than the sum of their parts–to properly understand someone, we must acknowledge their full history. Leadership Board of Trustees Our leadership team embodies Saybrook’s humanistic mission, dedicating themselves to upholding the values that help students discover their purpose. The Community Solution Saybrook University is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact. Belonging at Saybrook Celebrate your differences and find commonalities at Saybrook, where we believe each unique voice adds intrinsic value to the educational experience. Alumni Affairs Loan Repayment Programs Your Saybrook adventure continues long after graduation. Programs Areas of Study Counseling Humanistic Clinical Psychology Humanistic Psychology Integrative and Functional Nutrition Integrative Social Work Mind-Body Medicine Psychophysiology Transformative Social Change Find the field that’s right for you: Counseling, Psychology, Transformative Social Change, Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Psychophysiology, Mind-Body Medicine, or Integrative Social Work. Degree Levels Doctoral Degrees Master's Degrees Certificate Programs Saybrook University offers Certificate, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. Program Explorer Saybrook’s programs are designed to help you discover and develop more human-centered, just, and inclusive systems and practices. Explore Programs Regulatory Information Accreditation WSCUC Institutional Report 2025 Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosures State Authorizations Consumer Disclosures Learn more about Saybrook University's accreditation status, licensure disclosures, state authorizations, and consumer disclosures. Student Experience Student Experience Commencement New Student Resources STAR No matter where you are today, your experience at Saybrook can help guide you toward a rewarding tomorrow. Saybrook Learning Model Learning Model Overview Community Learning Experience 2025 Online learning fueled by community and connection defines the Saybrook experience. Our learning model is designed to foster this collaboration and connection on a regular basis. Student Life Registrar’s Office Transcript Requests Re-Entry Library Resources Accessibility Accommodations Student Campus Safety Research Academic & Student Privacy Policies Saybrook Standout Your success as a Saybrook student is our top priority. These student services are yours to utilize, and they can help you thrive academically and personally in our learning environment. Faculty Saybrook’s faculty will be the guides by your side, helping you discover the academic and professional paths that align best with your goals. Academic Calendar Saybrook’s academic calendar includes weekly breakdowns of important dates, deadlines, and other calendar events you need to know as a member of our community. Academic Catalog Our academic catalog contains information regarding important policies and procedures that govern both administrative and academic matters. Global Engagement Discover life-changing study abroad opportunities at Saybrook, where collaboration transcends borders. Admissions Admissions Dates and Deadlines How to Apply Apply Now Application Portal Learn more about the admissions process, including important dates, requirements, and timelines, before you apply. Events Stay up to date on all upcoming and future admissions events. Financing Your Future Tuition and Fees Scholarships External Scholarships Federal Financial Aid Private Financial Aid International Student Aid Academic Partnerships Cost Calculators There are many ways to finance your Saybrook experience, and we’re here to help you find the best way forward. Military Saybrook is a proud Yellow Ribbon institution, dedicated to supporting military members, veterans, and their families. International Students International students enhance our learning environment. Learn more about the additional information you must submit to be considered for acceptance as an international student at Saybrook University. Transfer Students Maintain your academic momentum at Saybrook University. We’re happy and eager to help welcome you into our community. UNBOUND Digital Magazine UNBOUND Digital Magazine Humanistic Psychology Counseling Nutrition & Wellness Social Change Podcasts Videos Career Resources Profiles In The Media Explore how our community creates transformative change in our award-winning digital magazine, UNBOUND. Explore UNBOUND Mindfulness Moments Request Info Apply Now Giving Alumni The Community Solution Humanistic Psychology Counseling Nutrition & Wellness Social Change Podcasts Videos Career Resources Profiles In the Media Admissions Financing Your Future Financing Your Future Admissions Financing Your Future Your Future Is a Worthy Investment Financing your education is a meaningful part of pursuing your purpose, especially as federal aid rules evolve and students consider how best to plan for their future. This page brings together clear, timely information on funding options, scholarships, and upcoming federal changes to support your decision-making in a way that honors the complexity of your life, your goals, and the communities you hope to serve. Our aim is to give you grounded guidance so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Federal Legislation Updates Stay up to date with changes and proposals that may impact federal student aid programs. Due to the rapidly changing nature of legislation, Saybrook University does not summarize or analyze pending bills. Instead, we encourage students and families to consult official sources for the most current information. Students should review these resources regularly to remain informed about potential impacts to federal borrowing limits, repayment plans, eligibility, and other potential issues. Helpful Resources: Congress.gov – “Higher Education” Legislation Federal Student Aid Partner Announcements Department of Education Newsroom White House Briefing Room National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Policy Updates Federal Student Aid Changes: Questions and Answers We are committed to helping you understand recent federal changes that may affect how you finance your education—especially if you are in, or considering, a graduate or professional program. Most of the changes described here will take effect no earlier than July 1, 2026 and will primarily impact future borrowing, not the aid you receive for the 2025–2026 academic year. We recognize that these decisions are deeply personal and often stressful. Our goal is to provide clear information and connect you with people who can help you plan with confidence. What is changing in federal student aid—and why am I hearing so much about July 1, 2026? Federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes several major changes to federal student loans and some aspects of Pell Grant eligibility beginning with the 2026–2027 award year. For most students, especially at the graduate level, the biggest changes are: The phase-out of Grad PLUS Loans for new borrowing. New annual and lifetime caps on how much graduate and professional students can borrow in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. New definitions and borrowing caps for professional programs (such as medicine, law, and certain clinical psychology doctorates). A shift to a new income-based repayment plan (RAP) and a redesigned Standard Repayment Plan over the next several years. July 1, 2026 is the key date because it marks the start of the new borrowing rules and the transition to the new repayment structure. Do these changes affect my financial aid for the 2025–2026 academic year? No. Aid for the 2025–2026 academic year will follow the current federal rules. The new loan limits and repayment structure begin with loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, which generally corresponds to the 2026–2027 award year. If you are currently enrolled and receiving federal aid, you will continue under your existing aid offer for this academic year. What is happening to Graduate PLUS Loans? For new borrowers: Grad PLUS Loans will not be available for students whose first Direct Loan for their program is made on or after July 1, 2026. For some students who previously received a federal direct loan disbursement before July 1, 2026 and remain continuously enrolled in the same academic program, a limited federal transition provision (often referred to as grandfathering) may allow continued access for a defined period of time. What are the new federal loan limits for graduate and professional students? For new borrowing starting July 1, 2026: Graduate (non-professional) students Up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans Up to $100,000 in total graduate-only federal borrowing Professional students Up to $50,000 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans Up to $200,000 in total professional-level federal borrowing Overall lifetime borrowing limit Up to $257,500 in federal student loans across all levels of study (undergraduate + graduate + professional), not counting Parent PLUS borrowed on your behalf. How does the federal government decide whether my program is “graduate” or “professional,” and what does that mean for my loans? Under the recent federal student loan changes, the Department of Education uses a specific definition of “professional degree” to determine which programs qualify for the higher professional loan caps and which fall under the lower graduate loan caps. For loan purposes, a professional degree program is defined in federal regulation and currently includes: Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.) Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.) Law (LL.B. or J.D.) Medicine (M.D.) Optometry (O.D.) Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.) Theology (M.Div. or M.H.L.) Clinical Psychology (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) All other eligible master’s and doctoral programs are treated as graduate (non-professional) programs for loan-limit purposes—even if they also lead to licensure or advanced clinical practice. What this means for you: If your program is classified as professional, you may have access to the higher professional loan caps. If your program is classified as graduate (non-professional), you will be limited to the graduate loan caps. The Department of Education has reached negotiated rulemaking consensus, but final regulations and any clarifying guidance have not yet been fully published. Some details, including how certain edge-case programs will be treated, could still change as rules are finalized in 2026. We will continue to monitor federal updates and will revise our program-specific guidance as new information becomes available. Does being in a graduate program instead of a professional program mean my degree is less valuable? No. The graduate vs professional labels come from federal student loan rules and are used to decide how much you can borrow in federal loans—not how valuable or important your program is. The Department of Education has been explicit that the new structure is designed to put different caps on borrowing, not to rank programs by quality, prestige, or workforce importance. That said, we recognize that students may understandably feel that a lower federal loan cap signals that their field is “less important” or “less professional.” This is especially true in fields like counseling, nursing, social work, education, and other helping professions that require advanced training and serve critical community needs—many of which are not in the federal professional category. When you think about the value of your degree, consider: Impact and mission: Many graduate programs that fall under the “graduate” cap (rather than the “professional” cap) prepare you for roles that are essential for mental health, community support, K–12 education, and public health. Career pathways: Your long-term impact is shaped by the work you do, the communities you serve, and the skills you develop—not only by the federal label placed on your program. Institutional commitment: Our decision to offer and support a program reflects its alignment with our mission and its importance to the communities we serve, regardless of whether the program is coded as graduate or professional under federal loan rules. We will continue to advocate for our students and programs through appropriate channels. What should I be doing now as I make decisions about starting or continuing a graduate program? You do not need to make rushed decisions, but it can be helpful to: Clarify your timeline for starting or completing your program, especially if you are considering beginning before July 1, 2026. Meet with Financial Aid to: Review your current or projected borrowing under the new limits; Understand whether you may benefit from “legacy” Grad PLUS protections; and Discuss scholarship options and any employer or third-party funding. Who can I talk to with questions or worries about these changes? If you are feeling uncertain or anxious about these changes, you are not alone. Financing graduate education is a significant decision, and it is appropriate to ask questions. For specific questions about your eligibility and loan options, contact our Financial Aid Office For questions about budgeting, life planning, or financial stress, Student Support can help you explore broader resources, including housing, food access, transportation, and childcare where available. We are committed to giving you timely information, realistic options, and a supportive environment as you plan your next steps. How to Finance Your Education Providing a high-quality education and supporting you through the process of financing it is our top priority. There are many ways to finance this new journey, and we’re here to help you find the best way forward. Saybrook offers various financial aid opportunities to fund your education and invest in your future. Scholarships Military Tuition Benefits International Student Aid Federal Financial Aid Academic Partnerships Private Financial Aid Financial Aid Process STEP 1 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Saybrook University’s school code is G21206. STEP 2 Saybrook University will notify you if additional documents are needed for submission as required by the U.S. Department of Education. STEP 3 Review and return your estimated award letter. STEP 4 Complete and e-sign the Master Promissory Note Step 5 Complete the student loan entrance counseling requirement Step 6 Look for an email from your financial aid advisor. The Financial Aid Office will post to your account after the dd/ rop period of each semester. Apply for Financial Aid Tuition and Fees Determine the cost of investing in your future with a comprehensive breakdown of tuition and fees. Cost Calculators To explore the intricacies of financing your education effectively given your unique situation, use our net price calculator and loan simulator tools. We Make It Worth It We believe in your fullest potential and are committed to helping you achieve it, regardless of financial barriers. By investing in your education at Saybrook , you are committing to a path of fulfillment, contribution, and your own evolution. Through continuous support, we will pave a path for your success. Our Academic Partners Explore our collaborations with educational partners, and find new routes toward achieving your academic goals with us. Learn more about eligibility for admission through these established connections. Explore Partnerships Our Financial Aid Code of Conduct Saybrook University’s Financial Aid Code of Conduct ensures integrity, transparency, and the highest ethical standards regarding your educational loans. Learn more about our comprehensive policies and responsibilities. Read Code of Conduct Find Out More The First Step Toward Your Goals Our Financial Aid Office is your trusted guide through the complexities of investing in your education. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, our advisors are ready to support you. Ready to get started? Connect with our financial aid advisors and take this important step toward academic success. Data Privacy To provide you the best possible experience, we use cookies and other technologies on this site to enhance your experience and improve our marketing efforts. By continuing to use the Saybrook University website, you agree to how we use your data to improve service and user-experience. 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