What The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Means For Student Loan Borrowers

On July 4th, the President signed the domestic policy bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, into law. While the bill affects many areas, the changes to student loans will significantly impact both current and future borrowers.

Changes in Repayment Plans

Many borrowers wonder: Will my payments remain affordable? This concern is valid. The bill eliminates several income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, including PAYE, SAVE, and ICR.

For loans issued before July 1, 2026, borrowers must switch to the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan by July 1, 2028. Loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, will have only two options:

• Standard repayment plan with fixed monthly payments.

• Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which calculates payments as a percentage of annual income:

  • 4% of AGI for $40,001–$50,000

  • 5% of AGI for $50,001–$60,000, and so on

RAP payments count toward PSLF and IDR forgiveness.

Parent PLUS borrowers face a major change. ICR, their only income-driven option, will be eliminated.

• They have until July 1, 2026 to consolidate loans via the Direct Loan program.

• They have until June 30, 2028 to enroll in an IDR plan.

• Missing these deadlines results in loss of all income-driven repayment options.

All loans must be on the same repayment plan. Borrowers with unconsolidated Parent PLUS loans must repay all loans under the standard plan, not just Parent PLUS loans.

Limits on Disbursement and Borrowing Amounts

Currently, federal aid matches the cost of attendance at each school. Two students in the same field at different schools may receive different loan amounts.

Starting July 1, 2026, loan disbursements will cap at the median cost of similar programs nationwide. Students at higher-cost schools will need to cover the difference, often through private loans, which lack the protections and forgiveness options of federal loans.

Federal borrowing limits also change:

• Graduate programs: $100,000 max

• Professional degrees: $200,000 max

• Parent PLUS: $20,000 per year, $65,000 per student

• Lifetime federal loan cap: $257,500

Once borrowers hit these caps, they cannot take additional federal loans, even if prior balances are repaid or forgiven.

Student Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program will remain in place for full-time employees of government agencies and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The new RAP plan will be valid for PSLF, and existing borrowers can remain on the IBR plan going forward.

Income-Driven Repayment Forgiveness timelines will change:

• Current borrowers may see forgiveness extended from 20 to 25 years under IBR.

• New borrowers using RAP will need 30 years before forgiveness.

Restrictions on Pell Grant Recipients & Elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Unlike loans, Pell Grants typically do not need to be repaid. 

Pell Grant eligibility now requires:

• At least 30 semester hours per year for the full grant (up from 24).

• At least 15 hours per year for any grant (up from 12).

Fewer part-time students will qualify, which may affect low-income or working students.

Graduate PLUS loans are eliminated for new borrowers after July 1, 2026. Combined with borrowing caps and the lifetime limit, future graduate students may rely on private loans more heavily.

Tighter Limits on Forbearance and Deferment

Student loan forbearance and deferment provide temporary relief from making payments during periods of financial hardship. However, interest still accrues on the loans, and time spent in forbearance or most deferments does not count toward loan forgiveness. 

Previous rules limited general forbearance to no more than 12 months at a time and a cumulative maximum of three years. With the passing of the bill, borrowers with loans taken out on or after July 1st, 2027 will be subject to additional restrictions. General forbearance will be capped at 9 months within any 24-month period. Additionally, unemployment and economic hardship deferment will no longer be available. These changes mean that future borrowers will have fewer safety nets available and may face greater risk of default.

Summary

These changes are significant. Stricter borrowing limits, fewer repayment options, and reduced flexibility will challenge many borrowers.

However, the most essential strategy for managing your student loan debt is to take action early and have a plan. Staying informed about your options and submitting paperwork early and correctly can help you qualify for more advantageous programs that offer lower payments or forgiveness. If you’re unsure how these changes could affect you or your eligibility, now is the time to get answers and build a strategy that fits your financial goals.