Parent PLUS Loans are for parents of dependent undergraduate students.
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 Parent PLUS Loans available to undergraduate 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: Determined by the formula of “Cost of Attendance – Other Aid (i.e. grants, scholarships, other loans)”
- Aggregate Limit: No limit
- Eligibility is based on student enrollment and a minimal credit check of the parent applicant
Changes Effective July 1st, 2026
- Annual Limit: $20,000 per student (combined from all parents)
- Aggregate Limit: $65,000 per student
- Legacy Provision: Students with existing loans may continue borrowing for up to 3 years or until program completion, whichever is less
- New Borrowers: Must seek alternative funding if limits are exceeded
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 families that need funding outside of the new limits the options below can be pursued.
Alternative funding options can include:
- Private loans
- Payment plans
- Scholarships
- Home equity or personal loans
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
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Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
