What Are The New Updates for the 2026–2027 FAFSA® Federal Loans?
In the past, you could receive a maximum loan offer if you took at least 6 credits, Loans from the 2026-2027 FAFSA require a student to be enrolled in at least 12 program applicable credits each semester to receive a maximum loan offer.
What does that mean for you?
First Check your portal to see which FAFSA your loan is offered from.
The new rules only apply to you in the Fall 2026 semester if your loan offer is from the 2026-2027 FAFSA. If your loan is from the 2025-2026 FAFSA, these rules won’t apply to your loans until Winter 2027 semester.
2026-2027 FAFSA:
- Take 12 or more Program Applicable credits each semester: You can receive the maximum loan offer.
- Take Fewer than 12 Program Applicable credits during either semester of your loan: Your total loan offer amount will be reduced
- Drop to fewer than 12 Program Applicable credits during the semester (before or after FADD): Your loan amount for the next semester may be reduced.
- Quit attending classes at any time during the semester but don’t drop them: Your loan amount for the next semester may be reduced.
- Take Fewer than 6 credits: You are not eligible for federal student loans.
Watch Your BYUI Email & Review Your Award:
If your financial aid award changes, you will receive an email notification letting you know that your financial aid awards have been revised.
- Review your financial aid award carefully.
- Look at each semester—not just the current semester.
- Check your loan amounts to see which semester was adjusted.
If you decide to drop a class, check with financial aid first. We can help you see the impact it could have on your current and future aid
