Federal Student Loan Disbursements Now Tied to Credit Hours

New federal regulations, effective July 1, 2026, mandate that universities adjust student loan disbursements based on the number of credit hours taken each semester. Students must now complete 24 credit hours annually to receive their full loan amount, a change from the previous six-credit-hour minimum per semester. This policy shift means loan amounts will be recalculated and potentially reduced for students taking fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester, impacting financial aid for many.