The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. For students, families, and institutions like JMU, this bill is significant because it changes some rules related to the federal aid (Title IV) programs. Some of those changes impact Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans available to graduate and professional students.

As of the development of this webpage, these changes are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2026, and/or with the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student.

 

Current Limits (before July 1st, 2026)
  • Annual Limit: $20,500
  • Aggregate Limit: $138,500 (includes undergraduate borrowing)
Changes Effective July 1st, 2026
  • Graduate Students:
    • Loans must be prorated based on enrollment status
    • Annual limit remains $20,500
    • Aggregate limit = $100,000 (excludes undergrad borrowing)
  • Professional Students:
    • Clarification is needed from the Department of Education regarding which academic programs qualify as “professional” programs, as the current regulations are unclear and do not fully define this.
    • Loans must be prorated based on enrollment status
    • Annual limit = $50,000
    • Aggregate limit = $200,000
  • Total Aggregate Limit: $257,500 across all federal loan programs (undergraduate and graduate)
Institutional Discretion

Schools may have the ability to set lower annual loan limits by program. Limits must apply uniformly to all students in the program.

Planning Ahead

For students that need funding outside of the new limits the options below can be pursued. 

Alternative funding options can include:

Read More On Graduate PLUS Loan Changes

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces significant changes to federal student aid programs, and while some provisions are clear, many others require further clarification from the U.S. Department of Education.

We understand that students, families, and staff have questions—and so do we.

As we receive more guidance and official updates, we will continue to revise and expand this webpage to reflect the most accurate and actionable information available.

Other Federal Loan Updates

Undergraduate Loans           Parent PLUS Loans     FAFSA/Aid Elibility/Pell Grant

Graduate Direct Loans        Grad PLUS Loans         Loan Repayment

Back to Top
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Student Success Center
MSC 3519
738 South Mason Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Email Us
540/568-7820
Fax: 540/568-7994
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.