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One Big Beautiful Bill and Federal Financial Aid
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and makes major
changes to how students and families can pay for college using federal financial aid. Most
of these changes take effect beginning July 1, 2026. They will apply to new and continuing
students differently and are outlined below.
Federal Pell Grant Changes
Under the new law, students cannot receive a Pell Grant if their non-federal scholarships or grants already cover their full Cost of Attendance (COA), even if they otherwise qualify based on income.
If scholarships fully cover tuition, housing, meals, and other allowed costs, Pell eligibility
may be reduced or eliminated.
Federal Student Loan Changes for Undergraduates
If you are enrolled less than full-time, your annual federal loan amount will be prorated based on how many credits you are taking.
Parent PLUS Loan Changes
For families who use the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, new limits will apply starting July
1, 2026:
- $20,000 per year per dependent student
- $65,000 lifetime (aggregate) limit per dependent student
The aggregate limit applies regardless of amounts forgiven, repaid, or discharged.
Parents who borrowed a Parent PLUS Loan before July 1, 2026 may be allowed to continue borrowing under the prior rules for up to three academic years or until the student completes their program, whichever comes first.
Graduate and Professional Student Loan Changes
For students pursuing graduate or professional degrees, Graduate PLUS Loans will be eliminated for new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans will have new limits. These limits apply to new borrowers:
- $20,500 per year
- $100,000 lifetime maximum (undergraduate loans not included)
Students with a Graduate PLUS Loan disbursed before July 1, 2026 may qualify for legacy provisions that allow borrowing to continue for a limited time.
We’re Here to Help
Federal guidance is still being finalized, and details may change. The Saint Vincent College Financial Aid Office is closely monitoring updates from the U.S. Department of Education and will continue to share new information as it becomes available.
If you have questions about how these changes affect your specific situation, we encourage you to contact Financial Aid at financialaid@stvincent.edu or 724-805-2555.
Financial Aid and Tuition
Federal Student Aid Disclosure: OBBBA Implementation for DE-MSN and DNAP Programs
Effective July 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) caps federal student lending for post-baccalaureate students. Graduate PLUS loans are no longer available. Funding is now restricted based on degree tiers established by the U.S. Department of Education.
| Program Title | CIP Code | Current 2026-27 Status | Annual Federal Limit | Lifetime Federal Cap |
| Master of Science in Nursing (DE-MSN) | 51.3801 | Professional (Interim) | $50,000 | $200,000 |
| Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) | 51.3804 | Professional (Interim) | $50,000 | $200,000 |
Institutional Notice of Volatility:
The inclusion of advanced nursing tracks in the higher professional tier is the result of a temporary federal preliminary injunction issued on June 24, 2026. The Department of Education's formal position is that these programs should be limited to the standard graduate tier ($20,500 annual / $100,000 aggregate limits).
This professional designation is an interim measure mandated by an ongoing lawsuit (AANP v. U.S. Department of Education). If the federal government successfully appeals or wins a final judgment later this year, the Department of Education may be forced to downgrade advanced nursing programs to standard graduate status. If this occurs, future loan limits would drop to $20,500 annually and a $100,000 lifetime cap.
Students are strongly encouraged to review their financial plans. While funds disbursed during the active court stay are legally secure, future term disbursements remain subject to downward adjustment depending on final judicial outcomes or appellate rulings."