Western Graduate Programs Remain Accessible Despite Federal Loan Changes 

Across the country, graduate students are feeling the ripple effects of major federal financial aid shifts. The phase-out of Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) loans and the federal government’s recent proposed reclassification of certain professional degrees have created significant anxiety for students seeking to pursue advanced education, particularly those in fields such as nursing, counseling, social work, education, and allied health.  

Federal student aid is undergoing significant restructuring: beginning July 1, 2026, graduate students in non-professional programs will be limited to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a $100,000 aggregate limit, while students in formally designated professional programs will be able to borrow up to $50,000 annually, capped at $200,000 aggregate. These aggregates do not include money borrowed as an undergraduate student.  

In addition to these loan-specific limits, all borrowers will face a new hard lifetime federal loan maximum of $257,500 across all programs (excluding Parent PLUS). At the same time, the Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) program, which previously allowed students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance, will be eliminated for new borrowers, marking a major shift in how graduate education can be financed. 

What the Federal Loan Changes Mean for the School of Graduate Studies 

At Western Colorado University, we’ve been watching these developments closely. We know how unsettling it can feel to plan your future while federal policy changes in real time.  

The encouraging news is this: several of Western’s graduate programs won’t be affected by the loss of Grad PLUS loans or by the shifting definitions of “professional” degree programs. These programs have long been intentionally designed to be financially accessible, and that foresight is serving our students well during this national transition. 

Tuition and fees for all of Western’s graduate programs fall well below the $100,000 aggregate Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit, and the few programs whose annual tuition cost exceeds the $20,500 annual limit award the highest levels of fellowship support to offset costs. That means students can continue pursuing graduate education without facing the financing gaps that students elsewhere may now experience. The affordability of these programs is not accidental; it is the product of a deliberate effort to ensure that students can access advanced training without unsustainable debt. 

While our programs remain more accessible than many national counterparts, the federal changes do introduce new considerations for some students weighing these degrees. We are committed to supporting these students through careful advising, transparent financial conversations, and continued efforts to keep our programs within reach. 

It’s necessary to recognize the broader context surrounding the federal government’s recent degree reclassifications. These updates have shifted how certain professions, such as teachers, counselors, and various medical practitioners, are categorized for borrowing purposes, which has led to understandable questions among current and prospective students. At Western, our focus remains on helping students navigate these changes and understand how the updates apply to their specific programs. 

Even in uncertain times, the benefits of a graduate degree remain clear. Advanced study provides specialized knowledge, opens doors to career advancement, and strengthens the impact graduates can have in their communities and industries.  

Western has always believed that graduate education should be accessible, meaningful, and grounded in purpose. As the national financial aid landscape evolves, we remain committed to supporting students through clarity, affordability, and the kind of personalized guidance that helps make confident, informed decisions. 

If you’re considering graduate study in this new environment, know that you’re not alone and that many paths at Western remain as accessible as ever. Our team is here to help you navigate the changes, understand your options, and move forward toward advanced education.