"Over the past several weeks we've heard multiple reports from graduate students about financial aid delays and miscommunication as they start summer classes. For medical, dental, and veterinary schools that start as early as May, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes are causing delays and chaos," The College Investor reports.

... "The current problems aren't with the policy itself - it's the timeline schools were given to implement it."

"'We're seeing the repercussions of the short timelines to implement the rules from OBBBA,' said Karen McCarthy, vice president for public policy and federal relations at NASFAA. 'Usually we have eight months — we'd have final rules by November 1 for a July 1 effective date. But this year was May 19, six weeks before July.'"

"McCarthy added: 'In some cases, there were students already enrolled in [graduate] programs, but we didn't even have the final rules yet. So schools couldn't even apply them.'"

... "McCarthy urged schools to absorb some of the strain rather than pass it to students: 'Schools can help their students by not assessing late fees.'"

"She was clearer on the undergraduate side. 'For the undergraduate season, I don't see any major systemic problems. Everyone is playing catch-up, so the summer will be very, very busy.'"

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: 6/4/2026