FAQs
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about 2025's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Most Federal Aid eligibility changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act take effect with the 2026–2027 aid year, which begins with the summer 2026 term at UMGC.
Your federal loan eligibility will be adjusted proportionally based on your enrolled credit hours.
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan program will no longer be available to new borrowers starting with the 2026–2027 aid year, which begins with the summer 2026 term at UMGC.
You are generally considered a current borrower if you received a Federal Direct Loan before July 1, 2026 (the 2026–2027 aid year) while enrolled in an eligible academic program. You can review your loan history by logging into the Federal Student Aid website.
If you borrowed a federal loan before July 1, 2026 while enrolled in your current program at UMGC, you may be eligible to continue borrowing under the current rules for a limited time.
You may lose eligibility for legacy provisions if you
- Change or complete your program;
- Do not maintain continuous enrollment; or
- Transfer into or out of UMGC.
Plan your enrollment early, review your financial aid options, and explore payment plans, private financing, and employer tuition assistance to cover any remaining costs.
If your financial aid package does not fully cover your tuition and related expenses, there are several additional resources you may consider:
- Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan: Enroll in a structured payment plan that allows you to spread your remaining balance into manageable monthly installments rather than paying the full amount upfront.
- Scholarships: Explore scholarship opportunities offered by UMGC and through your state of residence’s higher education board. In addition, students are encouraged to pursue private scholarships and supplemental funding available through employers, community and recreational organizations, places of worship, professional associations, and reputable online scholarship search platforms.
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs as part of their employee benefits package. Contact your Human Resources department to learn about eligibility and application steps.
- Private Financing: Students may apply for private educational loans through a lender of their choice. UMGC provides access to ELMSelect, a historical lender comparison tool that allows you to review private loan options. Please note that you are not limited to the lenders displayed and may choose any eligible lender.
Carefully review each option to determine what best aligns with your financial circumstances and long-term goals.
