Ongoing Impact and Advocacy Surrounding Federal Student Loan Changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Discussions on November 4, 2026, highlight the ongoing impact and implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, which introduced significant changes to federal student aid programs. Key changes, many effective July 1, 2026, include the elimination of Direct PLUS Loans for new graduate students, new annual and lifetime loan limits for graduate and professional programs, and revised repayment options. Advocacy groups are actively working with Congress to secure FY 2027 appropriations to address Pell Grant shortfalls and prevent further cuts to loan subsidies and student aid.