Student Loan Impact Tracker

RISE/OBBB Regs End New Grad PLUS Loans July 1

RISE/OBBB Regs End New Grad PLUS Loans July 1

Key Questions

When do new Grad PLUS loans end?

Finalized RISE/OBBB rules end new Grad PLUS loans starting July 1 for Class 2026 and beyond. Pre-July 1 borrowers (1.8M) are grandfathered to a $257k lifetime cap.

What are the new graduate loan limits?

Graduate loans are capped at $20.5k per year in unsubsidized loans and $257k lifetime. New plans include RAP, IBR, and Tiered Standard.

Why the rush to consolidate amid RISE/OBBB changes?

Consolidation avoids payment spikes and secures access before the July 1 cutoff. It aligns with Parent PLUS deadline pressures to maintain borrowing options.

Finalized RISE rules axe new Grad PLUS for Class 2026+, cap grad loans $20.5k/yr unsubsidized, $257k lifetime, new RAP/IBR/Tiered Standard plans; 1.8M pre-July grandfathered; consolidation rushes to dodge spikes amid Parent PLUS deadline.

Sources (2)
Updated May 1, 2026