ED Releases Guidance on Program-Level Loan Limits
Published July 13, 2026
By AACOM Government Relations
Federal Policy Financial Aid Higher Education Topics
- On June 26, 2026, ED released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) reminding institutions of their new authority, effective July 1, 2026, to set lower annual loan limits for specific programs under the OBBBA.
- The DCL outlines best practices for using this authority and encourages institutions to counsel students to borrow only what they need to maintain a manageable debt burden. More information is available in the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ press release.
- AACOM has updated its federal financial aid FAQs, available on AACOM’s Student Financial Resources page, and will continue to share new information as it becomes available. Students with specific questions or concerns should contact their college’s financial aid office.