U.S. Department of Education building in Washington D.C. Photo by Andy Feliciotti.
Several changes to 2026-2027 federal student loans will be implemented on July 1, according to a university-wide email sent by the UAA Office of Financial Aid on May 1.
The changes come from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump in July 2025, as reported by Reuters.
Student loan changes announced by the UAA Office of Financial Aid include fall 2026 aid disbursements taking place no sooner than the first day of classes. The office said in previous years, financial aid disbursement occurred up to 10 days prior to classes starting.
It also announced that withdrawing from classes during a semester will impact students' future loan eligibility. Students were urged to contact the UAA Office of Financial Aid before withdrawing to be informed of potential consequences.
Further changes will make students ineligible for federal Pell Grants if they receive grants or scholarships from non-federal sources that cover their entire cost of attendance.
Graduate PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students will be eliminated on July 1, according to the announcement.
Limits to Parent PLUS Loans and prorating for subsidized, unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loans based on student enrollment status will also be implemented on July 1.
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