Federal Legislative & Student Aid Policy Updates
Stay Informed on Federal Policy That May Affect Your Education
Federal policy and legislation related to higher education and student aid are continually evolving. At National University of Health Sciences, we want to support you in understanding how changes in federal law, regulations, and programs could affect current and future students, especially regarding how you finance your education.
Have questions? Contact the Financial Aid office. If you are a prospective or new student, you can also sign up for our next Understanding Financial Aid & Scholarships visit event.
Key Federal Resources
Because federal legislation and regulatory actions can change quickly, we do not provide legal analysis or summaries of pending bills. Instead, we recommend reviewing information from official government sources.
To stay up to date, we encourage you to check these trusted sources frequently:
- Congress.gov — Track federal higher education legislation.
- Federal Student Aid Partner Announcements — News from the U.S. Department of Education.
- U.S. Department of Education Newsroom — Federal announcements and press releases.
- White House Briefing Room — Executive actions and policy releases.
- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Policy Updates — Analysis and guidance on federal aid policy.
Federal Student Aid Policy Changes FAQs
We are here to help you understand the upcoming federal changes that may affect how you finance your education. We recognize that these are important decisions. Our goal is to provide clear information and support so you can plan with confidence.
Most of the changes described here will take effect on July 1, 2026. They will primarily impact future borrowing not the aid you receive for the 2025-2026 academic year.
What is changing with federal student aid and why is July 1, 2026 an important date?
Federal legislation called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes several major changes to federal student loans. For most students especially those in graduate programs the biggest changes are:
- The end of the Grad PLUS Loan program for new borrowing.
- New annual and lifetime limits on how much students can borrow in Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
- A new income-based repayment plan.
July 1, 2026 is the key date because it marks the start of these new borrowing rules.
Do these changes affect my financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year?
No. Your financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year will follow the current federal rules. The new loan limits and program changes begin with loans first disbursed on or after July 1 2026.
Students currently enrolled and receiving federal aid will continue under the existing aid offer for this academic year.
Download the Federal Loan Changes one-sheet that summarizes the changes to federal financial aid starting July 1, 2026.
What is happening to Graduate PLUS Loans?
The Grad PLUS loan program will not be available for students whose first Direct Loan for their program is disbursed on or after July 1 2026.
However if you are currently enrolled and have a Federal Direct Loan for your program before July , 2026 you may be able to continue using Grad PLUS. This is part of the “Legacy Provision” and could last for up to three more academic years or until you complete your program whichever comes first.
What are the new federal loan limits?
Starting July 1, 2026 the new limits for new borrowers are:
- Graduate Students (Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture programs): Up to $20,500 per year with a total lifetime limit of $100,000 for graduate-only borrowing.
- Professional Students (Chiropractic Medicine program): Up to $40,000 per year with a total lifetime limit of $200,000 for professional-level borrowing.
- Undergraduate Students: The annual limit remains up to $12,500 and the lifetime limit is $57,500.
Why are some programs now considered “graduate” instead of “professional”?
With the new federal rules the Department of Education uses a specific list to define “professional degree” programs for loan purposes. Under these new rules, Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture programs will be classified as graduate programs. Our Chiropractic Medicine program will retain its professional classification.
This is a federal label used only to determine loan limits. It does not reflect the quality value or rigor of your program. Your degree prepares you for an essential role in healthcare and its value is defined by the skills you develop and the communities you serve.
The Department of Education has achieved consensus through the negotiated rulemaking process; however, the final regulations and any accompanying guidance have not yet been fully released. Certain details — including how specific or atypical programs may be classified — could still be revised as the rules are finalized in 2026.
We will continue to closely track federal developments and update our program-specific guidance as additional information becomes available.
What should I be doing now to prepare?
You do not need to make rushed decisions. However it is a good idea to start planning.
- Evaluate and clarify your timeline for starting or completing your program. This is especially important if you are considering beginning before July 1 2026.
- Meet with the Financial Aid office to review your borrowing plan under the new limits.
- Discuss scholarship options and any other funding sources you may have including employer, private loans, or third-party funding.
Who can I talk to if I have questions or concerns?
Financing your education is a significant decision and it is normal to have questions.
- For specific questions about your eligibility and loan options please contact our Financial Aid Office.
- For assistance with budgeting, long-term planning, or managing financial challenges, Student Support Services can connect you with additional resources that may be available, including support for housing, food access, transportation, and childcare.
We are committed to providing you with timely information and realistic options. We will support you as you plan your next steps.