Federal Student Loan Program Updates (2026–2027)
Recent federal legislation will introduce several changes to aspects of the federal financial aid system. Many of these changes will take effect beginning with the 2026–2027 award year.
These changes only impact federal loan programs. At this time, there have been no changes to New York State's undergraduate financial aid programs managed by HESC.
Some of the updates involve new federal borrowing limits and repayment options. These limits represent federal maximums. Because the cost of attendance at SUNY Polytechnic Institute is typically well below the newly established federal borrowing maximums, most students will not approach them.
Key Changes Affecting All Federal Loan Borrowers
Lifetime Borrowing Limit
A new lifetime borrowing limit of $257,500 has been established for federal student loans. This limit applies to the combined total of all federal student loans borrowed across both undergraduate and graduate study, excluding Parent PLUS Loans.
Loan Limits for Part-Time Enrollment
Institutions will be required to adjust, or prorate, annual federal loan limits for students enrolled less than full-time.
This means the maximum annual loan amount available may be reduced if a student enrolls part-time during a term.
Part-time enrollment is defined as:
- Undergraduate students: 11 credit hours or fewer per term
- Graduate students: 8 credit hours or fewer per term
Federal Loan Repayment Plans
Repayment options will be streamlined into two plans:
- A new tiered standard repayment plan
- A new income-driven repayment plan
Existing income-contingent repayment plans will sunset in 2028.
Updates to Parent PLUS Loans
Parent PLUS Loans will have an annual limit of $20,000 and a lifetime limit of $65,000 per dependent student.
Updates to Graduate PLUS Loans
Graduate PLUS Loans will be eliminated for new borrowers beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Legacy Provision: Students who previously borrowed a Graduate PLUS Loan for their current program may remain eligible for up to three years, provided they remain continuously enrolled in that same program.
Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loans
The annual borrowing limit for Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loans will remain $20,500; however, the lifetime borrowing limit will be $100,000. Previously, the lifetime limit was $138,500, which included both undergraduate and graduate borrowing.
Contact Financial Aid for Help
If you need assistance navigating the federal student loan program changes, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
- Phone: (315) 792-7210
- Email: finaid@sunypoly.edu
- Request a Virtual Appointment
- Location: Kunsela Hall A208
