"As part of the Trump administration’s larger campaign to revamp higher education, Republicans took aim at student loans and Pell Grants in their 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' — a move that could limit access to higher education, experts warn," The Brown Daily Herald reports.

... "These changes could have a large impact on student enrollment, said Sarah Austin, a policy analyst from National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators."

"She expects graduate students who were previously eligible for PLUS loan programs but not for private loans to be among the hardest hit."

"Private loans are often harder to obtain due to credit requirements and application processes. This is especially challenging since many students do not have established credit, Austin said."

"Although she worries the loan caps will prevent some students from enrolling in higher education programs, she identified several upsides to the act."

"For one, the expansion of the Pell Grant program to include workforce programs is a 'major win,' Austin said. She added that the simplification of loan repayment plans could also benefit students, as the current structure can be confusing."

"Austin is worried about the speed at which these changes are set to be enforced, calling the July 1, 2026 deadline 'nearly impossible' due to the complexity of its implementation."

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Articles included under the notable headlines section are not written by NASFAA, but rather by external sources. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

Publication Date: 9/8/2025