Federal student aid updates coming July 2026

Significant changes to federal student aid eligibility and Direct Loan programs will take effect beginning July 1, 2026. The Wichita State Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is closely monitoring these updates and will continue to provide guidance as more information becomes available.

Stay up to date regarding the changes.

Key highlights:

  • Parent PLUS Loans (new borrowers): Annual cap $20,000; lifetime cap $65,000
  • Graduate PLUS Loans: No longer available to new borrowers starting July 2026
  • Direct Loans: Prorated for less than full‑time enrollment
  • Pell Grant eligibility:
    • Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) over or equal to twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will no longer qualify.
    • Pell Grants will be reduced if scholarships or grants fully cover Cost of Attendance (COA).
  • Professional students (At WSU, only students enrolled in clinical psychology Ph.D. program are considered professional level): Annual limit $50,000; lifetime max $200,000
  • Legacy borrowers: Current Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS borrowers may continue for up to three academic years or until program completion

Please note: All information is contingent and subject to change. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will update this resource as federal guidance becomes available. For full details, visit One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates | Federal Student Aid