The Federal Grad PLUS Loan program will be eliminated for new borrowers under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — also known as H.R. 1 — beginning July 1, significantly reshaping how graduate and professional students finance their education. For students at Colorado State University, particularly those pursuing veterinary medicine and other scientific disciplines, the change introduces new uncertainty into an already expensive academic path.
For years, the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan program allowed graduate and professional students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance, covering tuition, fees and living expenses beyond federal direct unsubsidized loans limits.
Master’s and some doctoral students will be capped at $20,500 per year, with a $100,000 lifetime borrowing limit in direct unsubsidized loans, while some veterinary students will be capped at $50,000 per year with a $200,000 lifetime borrowing limit. Some income-driven repayment options will also be phased out or replaced…