Graduate PLUS Loans Update for 2026-2027
Recent Federal Student Loan Changes
Federal student loan rules are changing beginning July 1, 2026. Several updates affect graduate students, parents, and current borrowers. Undergraduate borrowing limits and Pell Grants remain unchanged.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans Are Being Phased Out
Beginning July 1, 2026, new graduate and professional students will no longer be able to take out Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. If you are currently enrolled and have already borrowed a GradPLUS Loan before that date, you can continue to access GradPLUS funds for up to three more years or until you finish your program, whichever comes first. This continuation applies only to your current program of study. If you start a new program after July 1, 2026, GradPLUS Loans will no longer be available for that program.
New Graduate Loan Limits
Also starting July 1, 2026:
- Professional students (for example, those in medicine, law, or similar licensure-based programs) may borrow up to $50,000 per year, with a lifetime limit of $200,000 in federal Unsubsidized Loans.
- Other graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year, with a lifetime limit of $100,000.
Students already enrolled and using Unsubsidized or GradPLUS Loans in their current program will keep their current borrowing limits for up to three more years or until their program ends.
State & Federal Aid
Scholarships and grants are a great way for you to save on your tuition bill. Luckily, Manhattan University offers a wide range of state and federal aid to help you pay for college.
State and federal aid to find the perfect options for you. And don't hesitate to contact our financial aid experts if you have any questions along the way.
All graduate students are automatically considered for the 10% tuition scholarship at the time of admission into Manhattan University. There is no additional application required to receive this award. This discount will be applied each term as long as the following criteria are met:
- Must have a 3.0 GPA, or higher, from your undergraduate institution at the time of admission
- Must remain ‘good’ academic standing to maintain scholarship each semester
- This scholarship cannot be combined with any other discount - (this is not an exhaustive list but includes and is not limited to graduate assistantship award, graduate education awards, athletic scholarship recipient, stipend, honors scholarship, employee reimbursement, dual degree, seamless and 5th year program students)
- Awards are not finalized until all official transcripts are received and verified.
- Admitted non-matric and advanced certificate programs are not eligible
Scholarships are posted to student accounts on or before the add/drop date each semester.
10% Graduate Tuition Scholarship
All graduate students are automatically considered for the 10% tuition scholarship at the time of admission into Manhattan University. There is no additional application required to receive this award. This discount will be applied each term as long as the following criteria are met:
- Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher from your undergraduate institution at the time of admission.
- Must remain in good academic standing to maintain the scholarship each semester.
- This scholarship cannot be combined with any other discount. This is not an exhaustive list but includes graduate assistantship awards, graduate education awards, athletic scholarship recipient awards, stipends, honors scholarships, employee reimbursement, dual degree, and seamless or 5th year program students.
- Awards are not finalized until all official transcripts are received and verified.
- Admitted non-matriculated and advanced certificate program students are not eligible.