Federal Student Loan Policy Changes Implemented, Affecting Repayment and Borrowing Limits

New federal student loan policies, enacted by the 2025 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' began on July 1, 2026. These changes restrict repayment options for many and introduce new borrowing limits for graduate students, including a $50,000 annual cap for professional programs and $20,500 for other degrees. A court order has temporarily paused the Education Department's definition of professional programs, impacting future and current borrowers.