Frequently Asked Questions

---

If you borrowed any federal student loans before July 1, 2026, for the program in which you are currently enrolled, you:

• May continue borrowing under the current loan terms and limits.
• Can borrow for up to three additional years or until your expected degree completion date (whichever comes first).
  

No. Any amount borrowed for a graduate degree will be subtracted from the amount available to borrow for a professional degree. In total, students who borrow federal loans for both a graduate and a professional degree may only borrow up to $200,000, and it does not include amounts borrowed as an undergraduate.

The loan limits and elimination of Grad PLUS are effective for new loans in new programs beginning July 1, 2026. The exception for students already taking federal loans only applies per program. If you begin your new program after July 1, 2026, the new loan limits WILL apply, and you will NOT be eligible for Grad PLUS for that degree program.

Yes! The legacy provision allows you to continue borrowing under the current loan limits. 

After three years, you will be subject to the new Direct Unsubsidized limits, and you will no longer be eligible to borrow Graduate PLUS loans. 

Current regulations 34 CFR 668.2 provide a definition of a professional program and some examples of programs that qualify, although the list is not comprehensive. However, this definition is currently being discussed via the federal negotiated rule-making process. 

The lifetime borrowing cap will be $257,500 on all federal student loans ($200,000 for graduate and professional degrees, plus $57,500 for undergraduate degree). 

The current aggregate limit is $138,500 for most students (up to $65,500 may be subsidized). And up to $224,000 for certain health professions (up to $65,500 may be subsidized). 

No. Beginning July 1, 2026, once you enroll in a graduate or professional program, you are no longer eligible to borrow federal Direct Loans under undergraduate limits—even if you didn’t borrow as an undergraduate.

Instead, you’ll be eligible for graduate-level borrowing only: 

• Up to $100,000 for graduate programs.
• Up to $200,000 for professional programs. 
  

Private Student Loans: These are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders. Terms vary by lender and typically require a credit check. Be sure to compare interest rates, repayment terms, and borrower protections. 

CU Anschutz Institutional Loans: All students are automatically considered for need-based institutional loan funding. If eligible, these loans will appear in your Financial Aid Offer—no separate application is required. 

Title VII Loans: These are available for students in eligible programs. Our office will notify you when the Title VII application becomes available.

Starting July 1, 2027, economic hardship and unemployment deferments will no longer be available. There will still be a forbearance option, but it will be limited to 9 month increments during any 24-month (2 year) period. Federal loan servicers will still have the option to place borrowers in temporary forbearances throughout the life of the loans.

No changes were made to the PSLF program other than to clarify that payments made while enrolled in RAP will qualify for PSLF.