Federal Higher Education Policy Outlook for Fall 2026 Highlights Student Aid, Immigration, and Funding Priorities

The American Council on Education (ACE) has released its Fall 2026 Federal Higher Education Policy Outlook, detailing ongoing implementation of student aid changes, including new borrowing limits and revised repayment options. The outlook also addresses a new Department of Homeland Security rule, effective September 15, 2026, that replaces the 'duration of status' system with a fixed-period admission framework for international students. Additionally, it covers the status of FY 2027 appropriations and a national call to action from Education Secretary Linda McMahon outlining the Trump administration's higher education priorities.