University explains possible impact of updates to financial aid, loan limits

The University of Texas at Austin is clarifying the impact of recent federal loan limit updates for the upcoming fall 2026 semester. Following a federal court order, the Department of Education has updated its list of "professional degrees," affecting borrowing limits. Professional degree borrowers can now borrow up to $50,000 annually with a $200,000 lifetime cap, while nonprofessional borrowers are capped at $20,500 annually and $100,000 lifetime. The university is adopting a "conservative approach" to borrowing.