OB3 Federal Student Aid Change as of July 1, 2026 | Adrian College | Liberal Arts College in MI
Source: http://www.adrian.edu/financial-aid/ob3-federal-student-aid-change-as-of-july-1-2026
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
OB3 Federal Student Aid Change as of July 1, 2026 | Adrian College | Liberal Arts College in MI
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Financial Aid
OB3 Federal Student Aid Change as of July 1, 2026
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In This Section
Financial Aid
Overview
Undergraduate
Graduate
Apply for Loans
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OB3 Federal Student Aid Change as of July 1, 2026
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Request Info
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Federal Student Aid Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, significant changes to the federal aid programs will take effect. The sections below provide overviews of these changes based on what level of study the student’s current or anticipated level of study.
Key Terms:
Annual limit: The maximum amount that may be borrowed in one academic year
Aggregate limit: The maximum amount that may be borrowed over a lifetime
Existing borrower: A student or parent borrowed a Federal student or PLUS loan on or before June 30, 2026
Future borrower: A student or parent who will borrow a Federal student or PLUS loan on or after July 1, 2026
Existing Undergraduate Borrowers
There are no changes to the federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan limits for undergraduate students at this time. They remain:
Annual = $5,500-$12,500 (amount determined by year and dependency status)
Aggregate =
$31,000 (dependent students)
$57,500 (independent students)
Federal Student Aid limit overview:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#how-much
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in more than 6 credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 9 credit hours (three-quarter time) for the semester, they are eligible for three-quarters of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Maximum Pell Grant funds will remain $7,395 for those who qualify in 2026-2027. The following eligibility requirements have been changed: Students whose total non-federal grants and scholarships are greater than the total cost of attendance will not be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Existing Parent PLUS Borrowers
Parent PLUS loan eligibility will not change. Under the legacy provision, limits will remain the same (with no cap on how much a parent may borrow, up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) at their child’s institution) until (a) their child completes their degree requirements or (b) 3 additional years pass, whichever is earlier.
Future Undergraduate Borrowers
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan eligibility or loan limits are:
Annual = $5,500-$12,500 (amount determined by year and dependency status)
Aggregate =
$31,000 (dependent students)
$57,500 (independent students)
Federal Student Aid limit overview:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#how-much
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in more than 6 credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 9 credit hours (three-quarter time) for the semester, they are eligible for three-quarters of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Maximum Pell Grant funds will be $7,395 for those who qualify in 2026-2027. The following eligibility requirements have been changed: Students with total grants and scholarships from non-federal sources that are greater than the total cost of attendance will not be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Future Parent PLUS Borrowers
Parent PLUS loan limits are:
Annual = $20,000 (per child)
Aggregate = $65,000 (per child)
Limits apply regardless of whether one or more parents use a parent PLUS loan for the student (i.e., if two parents borrow for the same student in 2026-2027, the total between the two loans will be capped at $20,000 for the academic year)
Additional funding option: Parents who need funding beyond the federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Current Graduate Borrowers
Federal Direct Graduate Unsubsidized loan limits remain the same:
Annual for graduate students (e.g. MA, MBA, MS) = $20,500
Aggregate for graduate students (including all undergraduate and graduate loans) = $138,500 (no more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
Federal Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available after June 30, 2026. If students plan to borrow in excess of their unsubsidized loan eligibility, they can consider private student loans.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 6 credit hours (half time) for the semester, they are eligible for half of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Legacy provision: Established Graduate PLUS loan borrowers may continue to borrow under current limits until:
Degree completion, or
3 additional years pass, whichever is earlier
The OBBBA does not provide exceptions for loans proportionally reduced due to enrollment status. To qualify for this, graduate students must:
Be enrolled in their program prior to June 30, 2026
Have previously borrowed a Graduate PLUS loan for that degree program
Remain in the same degree program
Future Graduate Borrowers
Federal Direct Graduate Unsubsidized loan limits for graduate students (e.g. MA, MBA, MS) will be:
Annual = $20,500
Aggregate = $100,000
Total aggregate usage for federal student loans throughout student’s lifetime (including all undergraduate, graduate, and professional federal loans) = $257,500
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 6 credit hours (half time) for the semester, they are eligible for half of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
OB3 Changes Graph
Student Type
What Stays the Same
What's Changing
Key Limits
Undergraduate (current and future)
Loan limits unchanged
Loans prorated for 6-11 credit hours
Pell eligibility restricted if aid exceeds COA
Dependent:
Annual = $5,500-$7,500
Aggregate = $31,000
Independent:
Annual = $9,500-$12,500
Aggregate = $57,500
Parent PLUS (current)
Existing borrowers keep current limits
N/A
No cap (up to the school's COA)
Parent PLUS (future)
N/A
Lower total borrowing limits
Limits apply regardless of whether one or multiple parents take out loan
Annual = $20,000
Aggregate = $65,000
Graduate (current)
Loans limits unchanged
Grad PLUS no longer available
Loans prorated for 6-9 credit hours
Annual = $20,500
Aggregate = $138,500 (across all levels of study)
Graduate (future)
N/A
No Grad PLUS loans
Lower total borrowing limits
Loans prorated for 6-9 credit hours
Annual = $20,500
Aggregate (grad loans only) = $100,000
Aggregate (across all levels of study) = $257,500
Quick Notes:
Existing borrowers = loans borrowed on or before June 30, 2026
Future borrowers = loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2026
Prorated loans = reduced loan amounts based on enrollment intensity
Private loans may be needed to cover remaining costs
Disclaimer:
This information reflects Adrian College’s understanding of the enacted legislation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as of March 2026. Details are subject to change without notice as further guidance and regulations become available.
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July 10th - Register Now!
Close Search
Explore Adrian College
Why Adrian?
Whatever your background, Adrian College can provide you with the skills and experience you need to realize your dreams.
Undergraduate Studies
We offer an undergraduate program of study that’s small enough to be personal
Graduate Studies
Pursuing your dream career starts with the next phase of your education. When you enroll in graduate school at Adrian College, you’re beginning more than advanced training in your field; you’re accelerating your professional journey.
Apply
Visit
Request Info
Find a Program
Give Today
Close Menu
Apply
Visit
Request Info
Find a Program
Give Today
Main Menu
About
Academics
Admissions
Athletics
Financial Aid
Student Life
Student Info
Admitted Students
Future Students
International Students
MyAdrian
Transfer Students
Info For
Alumni
Conferences
Development
Contact Us
110 S Madison Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Phone:
(517) 265-5161
Email:
Get in Touch
Apply
Visit
Request Info
Find a Program
Give Today
Explore More
Academic Calendar
Campus Map
Directory
Event Calendar
Library
News
Photo Albums
Search
Menu
Home
Financial Aid
OB3 Federal Student Aid Change as of July 1, 2026
Share
In This Section
Financial Aid
Overview
Undergraduate
Graduate
Apply for Loans
FAFSA Changes Summary
Additional Resources
Code of Conduct
Consumer Information
Federal & State Programs
Net Price Calculator
Return of the Title IV Funds Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
OB3 Federal Student Aid Change as of July 1, 2026
Apply
Visit
Request Info
Give Today
Federal Student Aid Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, significant changes to the federal aid programs will take effect. The sections below provide overviews of these changes based on what level of study the student’s current or anticipated level of study.
Key Terms:
Annual limit: The maximum amount that may be borrowed in one academic year
Aggregate limit: The maximum amount that may be borrowed over a lifetime
Existing borrower: A student or parent borrowed a Federal student or PLUS loan on or before June 30, 2026
Future borrower: A student or parent who will borrow a Federal student or PLUS loan on or after July 1, 2026
Existing Undergraduate Borrowers
There are no changes to the federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan limits for undergraduate students at this time. They remain:
Annual = $5,500-$12,500 (amount determined by year and dependency status)
Aggregate =
$31,000 (dependent students)
$57,500 (independent students)
Federal Student Aid limit overview:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#how-much
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in more than 6 credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 9 credit hours (three-quarter time) for the semester, they are eligible for three-quarters of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Maximum Pell Grant funds will remain $7,395 for those who qualify in 2026-2027. The following eligibility requirements have been changed: Students whose total non-federal grants and scholarships are greater than the total cost of attendance will not be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Existing Parent PLUS Borrowers
Parent PLUS loan eligibility will not change. Under the legacy provision, limits will remain the same (with no cap on how much a parent may borrow, up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) at their child’s institution) until (a) their child completes their degree requirements or (b) 3 additional years pass, whichever is earlier.
Future Undergraduate Borrowers
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan eligibility or loan limits are:
Annual = $5,500-$12,500 (amount determined by year and dependency status)
Aggregate =
$31,000 (dependent students)
$57,500 (independent students)
Federal Student Aid limit overview:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#how-much
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in more than 6 credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 9 credit hours (three-quarter time) for the semester, they are eligible for three-quarters of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Maximum Pell Grant funds will be $7,395 for those who qualify in 2026-2027. The following eligibility requirements have been changed: Students with total grants and scholarships from non-federal sources that are greater than the total cost of attendance will not be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Future Parent PLUS Borrowers
Parent PLUS loan limits are:
Annual = $20,000 (per child)
Aggregate = $65,000 (per child)
Limits apply regardless of whether one or more parents use a parent PLUS loan for the student (i.e., if two parents borrow for the same student in 2026-2027, the total between the two loans will be capped at $20,000 for the academic year)
Additional funding option: Parents who need funding beyond the federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Current Graduate Borrowers
Federal Direct Graduate Unsubsidized loan limits remain the same:
Annual for graduate students (e.g. MA, MBA, MS) = $20,500
Aggregate for graduate students (including all undergraduate and graduate loans) = $138,500 (no more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
Federal Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available after June 30, 2026. If students plan to borrow in excess of their unsubsidized loan eligibility, they can consider private student loans.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 6 credit hours (half time) for the semester, they are eligible for half of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
Legacy provision: Established Graduate PLUS loan borrowers may continue to borrow under current limits until:
Degree completion, or
3 additional years pass, whichever is earlier
The OBBBA does not provide exceptions for loans proportionally reduced due to enrollment status. To qualify for this, graduate students must:
Be enrolled in their program prior to June 30, 2026
Have previously borrowed a Graduate PLUS loan for that degree program
Remain in the same degree program
Future Graduate Borrowers
Federal Direct Graduate Unsubsidized loan limits for graduate students (e.g. MA, MBA, MS) will be:
Annual = $20,500
Aggregate = $100,000
Total aggregate usage for federal student loans throughout student’s lifetime (including all undergraduate, graduate, and professional federal loans) = $257,500
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan eligibility will be reduced for students enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours in a semester. For example, if a student is enrolled in 6 credit hours (half time) for the semester, they are eligible for half of their federal student loan amounts.
Additional funding option: Students who need funding beyond their federal loan limits may consider private student loans.
OB3 Changes Graph
Student Type
What Stays the Same
What's Changing
Key Limits
Undergraduate (current and future)
Loan limits unchanged
Loans prorated for 6-11 credit hours
Pell eligibility restricted if aid exceeds COA
Dependent:
Annual = $5,500-$7,500
Aggregate = $31,000
Independent:
Annual = $9,500-$12,500
Aggregate = $57,500
Parent PLUS (current)
Existing borrowers keep current limits
N/A
No cap (up to the school's COA)
Parent PLUS (future)
N/A
Lower total borrowing limits
Limits apply regardless of whether one or multiple parents take out loan
Annual = $20,000
Aggregate = $65,000
Graduate (current)
Loans limits unchanged
Grad PLUS no longer available
Loans prorated for 6-9 credit hours
Annual = $20,500
Aggregate = $138,500 (across all levels of study)
Graduate (future)
N/A
No Grad PLUS loans
Lower total borrowing limits
Loans prorated for 6-9 credit hours
Annual = $20,500
Aggregate (grad loans only) = $100,000
Aggregate (across all levels of study) = $257,500
Quick Notes:
Existing borrowers = loans borrowed on or before June 30, 2026
Future borrowers = loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2026
Prorated loans = reduced loan amounts based on enrollment intensity
Private loans may be needed to cover remaining costs
Disclaimer:
This information reflects Adrian College’s understanding of the enacted legislation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as of March 2026. Details are subject to change without notice as further guidance and regulations become available.
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
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Begin your
journey at
Adrian College
Apply
Visit
Request Info
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Give Today
Share this Page
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