How Federal Policy Changes Affect Higher Education:
Loans, Research, and Immigration at DU
Last Updated: 08/29/2025
Undergraduate Loans
Individual student loan borrowing options for an undergraduate degree remain unchanged under the new law.
For parent borrowers, the Parent PLUS Loan program remains unchanged until July 1, 2026. Parents who have borrowed a Parent PLUS Loan prior to July 1, 2026, on behalf of a dependent student enrolled in a credentialed program may continue to borrow under current loan program rules for up to three more academic years or the remainder of that program鈥檚 published program length at DU, whichever is shorter.
Please note this exception only applies so long as the dependent student continues in their current program of study.
For parent borrowers, Effective July 1, 2026, new Parent PLUS Loan borrowing by all parents on behalf of each dependent student will be limited to $20,000 per year and a total maximum aggregate of $65,000 per dependent student.
Undergraduate students and families should contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@du.edu or 303-871-4020 to discuss how these changes may affect their borrowing.听
Graduate Student & Professional Student Loans
Graduate students who borrow Federal Direct Loans or Grad PLUS Loans prior to July 1, 2026, for a graduate or professional degree program* will be eligible to continue borrowing for that program for up to three more academic years or the remainder of that program鈥檚 published program length at DU, whichever is shorter.
Please note this exception applies so long as a student continues in that degree program.
Effective July 1, 2026, new graduate student loan borrowers will be limited to $20,500 per year and a total maximum aggregate of $100,000 (not including undergraduate loan debt). The new law will also limit new professional student loan borrowers to $50,000 per year and a total maximum aggregate of $200,000 (not including undergraduate loan debt).
Graduate and professional students should contact the Office of Financial Aid directly for program-specific guidance at gradfinaid@du.edu or 303-871-4020.听
* DU and other universities are waiting on the Federal Government for further guidance on which degree programs will qualify as professional programs. We will update this website after additional information becomes available.
Research Impacts
Since January 2025, the federal administration has terminated 21 research grants at DU.听Six of the grants are now reinstated.听Several Fulbright and NEA Fellowships have been revoked through federal actions.听 The outcome of all these actions is a total loss of funding to DU in the amount of $4.2 million.
FAQ
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Will this page be updated as more information becomes available?
Yes. DU will update this page as new guidance is released by the federal government. We are committed to keeping students, families, faculty, and staff informed. Updates will be coordinated with the Office of Financial Aid and other campus partners.听
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What does 鈥減rogram of study鈥 mean?
鈥淧rogram of study鈥 is the wording used in the federal law and is a common term in financial aid. Previously, it has included a student鈥檚 declared degree program (such as a BA in Political Science or an MA in International Studies). However, we expect this will be clarified when they issue regulatory guidance, which may not happen until early 2026.听
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Do we know which DU programs will be considered professional degrees?
Not yet. The federal government has not yet issued specific guidance on how to determine if a degree program qualifies as a "professional" degree program. We may not receive this clarification until early 2026, but DU is actively advocating for clear and timely guidance on this important question.
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I am a parent, and my student came in as undeclared or wants to change their major鈥攄oes that impact the loans I took out for them?
It could. We expect this will be clarified when the Department of Education issues regulatory guidance, which may not happen until early 2026. Families should contact the Office of Financial Aid to review their specific situation before a student changes programs.听
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Does this new law affect private student loans, or just federal loans?
This new law only impacts federal loans such as: Federal Direct Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and Grad PLUS Loans.听
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What happens if I start borrowing as an undergraduate before July 1, 2026, and then become a graduate student thereafter?
We don't know that answer yet. Our expectation is that a student would have to borrow a graduate-level loan prior to July 1, 2026, to be eligible for the legacy provision that allows them to borrow PLUS loans for the graduate portion of their degree, if it happens to begin after July 1, 2026.听
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If I take time off or withdraw and return, do I lose my grandfathered loan eligibility?
We recommend that you contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your specific circumstance. The law does not include exceptions to the time periods to borrow under current borrowing limits. As a result, any withdrawal or time away from your program may impact your borrowing options.
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Are Parent PLUS Loan limits applied per child or per family?
Parent PLUS loan limits are per dependent student, not per family.
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How will DU decide which research projects receive bridge funding?
The DU bridge funding initiative provides a limited bridge to support faculty affected by federal grant terminations. The program will provide 10% of the remaining award amount (up to $27K) to sustain research activity deemed previously meritorious and nationally competitive, offering some continuity as we navigate these disruptions. The money is deposited into an account for the Principal of record after DU has been reimbursed by the Federal government for any outstanding expenses incurred before the termination date.听
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If my fellowship (e.g., Fulbright, NEH) was revoked, can DU help me appeal?
DU is in constant contact with faculty and students regarding these types of independent awards from the Federal Government. While DU cannot file the appeal on behalf of these fellowship recipients, DU can provide information to help guide individuals seeking to appeal. Reach out to ORSPadmin@du.edu.
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Has DU been subject to any large-scale inquiries from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
No. To date, DU has not been subject to any large-scale ICE inquiries. If ICE agents appear on campus, the Office of General Counsel must be contacted immediately at 303-871-4646 to review any warrant, subpoena, or document before action is taken.听
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Where can I review DU鈥檚 policy on law enforcement requests?
Guidance is available in the updated Joint Guidance on Responding to Law Enforcement Requests for Student or Employee Information [insert link here once confirmed].听
