Understanding Graduate & Professional Student Financing

Understanding the Future of Graduate & Professional Student Financing

Federal Grad PLUS loans will be eliminated starting July 1, 2026. Learn what this means for you, share your perspective, and explore strategies to fund your education.

What Changed & Why It Matters

Grad PLUS loans currently provide more than $13 billion each year to graduate and professional students. Their elimination means MBA, JD, MD, DDS, OD, and other students could face funding gaps of $70,000–$250,000 over their degree.

Your Options Now

Even without Federal Grad PLUS, you still have options. Explore the pros and cons of federal loans, private loans, scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition support. We are creating tools to see which paths may work best for your situation.

Student Voices: What They Did and What They Will Do

Student experiences matter. Hear how graduate and professional students navigated past funding challenges, and what steps they plan to take next as Federal Grad PLUS loans disappear.

Grad Student Happily Hugging Fellow Grad

Data & Research Insights on Federal Grad PLUS Loan

Explore vital data revealing the impact of Grad PLUS loan removal on graduate & professional funding and student outcomes.

$13B+

Borrowed through Grad PLUS in 2024–25

200k

Students relied on Grad PLUS

$70K–$250K

Typical indebtedness per student

Understanding the Impact of Grad PLUS Loan Elimination

What Changed for Graduate Students

Federal Grad PLUS loans end July 1, 2026, leaving over 200,000 of graduate students facing new borrowing limits and funding gaps.

Who’s Affected

MBA, MA, JD, MD, DDS, DVM, PhD and other professional students will see the largest impact, with costs often exceeding new federal loan caps.

Why It Matters

Without Federal Grad PLUS, many students must explore private loans, scholarships, or work adjustments—reshaping how graduate education is financed in the U.S.