5 Major Student Loan Changes Coming in 2026

Federal student loans are a critical component in how families pay for college.

Beginning in 2026, new laws will change how much students and parents can borrow and how those student loans are repaid. The changes are significant, especially for graduate students, professional programs, and families that rely on Parent PLUS loans to close college funding gaps.

Student loan repayment also faces one of the biggest shifts in history.

For families planning for college or graduate school, or those already in repayment on student loans, the next year will be another wild one with updates and changes.