One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Financial Aid Update: Federal Loan Changes and Enrollment Requirements

At Bethune-Cookman University, we remain committed to keeping our Wildcat community informed about important federal financial aid updates. Recent developments tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” include significant changes to borrowing limits and enrollment requirements that may impact your financial planning.

Parent PLUS Loan Changes

One of the most notable updates involves the Federal Parent PLUS Loan program. Under the proposed changes:

  • Annual borrowing may be capped at $20,000 per student
  • Lifetime borrowing may be limited to $65,000 per student

These changes represent a shift from the current structure, which has traditionally allowed parents to borrow up to the full cost of attendance (minus other aid).

What this means for families:

  • Families may need to plan more carefully for educational expenses beyond federal loan limits
  • Students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities

chart for max annual borrowing 4 years  chart showing max borrowing 4 years split

Importance of Full-Time Enrollment

Another critical factor in maintaining your financial aid eligibility is enrollment status.

To receive the maximum federal student loan eligibility, students must remain enrolled full-time. Dropping below full-time status can:

  • Reduce your federal loan eligibility
  • Impact your Pell Grant and other aid awards

Full-time enrollment not only helps you stay on track for graduation but also ensures you receive the highest level of financial aid support available to you. Please review the "Withdraw" policy for further information.

Standard Repayment Plan

The Standard Repayment Plan is the most traditional option for repaying federal student loans.

Key features:

  • Fixed monthly payments
  • Repayment term of up to 10 years

Income-Based Repayment (IBR)

The Income-Based Repayment Plan is designed to make loan payments more manageable based on your financial situation.

Key features:

  • Monthly payments are based on your income and family size
  • Payments adjust over time as your income changes

There are several resources to assist you in your loan management endeavor. Bethune-Cookman University has partnered with Student Connections to help you take control of your repayment.