2026–2027 FAFSA® Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, Federal Financial Aid rules will change due to new legislation. These changes may affect how loans and grants are awarded to BYU-Idaho students.
Because federal guidance is still being finalized, some details may change. This page reflects our current understanding and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Timeline
Spring Semester
2025–2026 FAFSA® will follow the normal disbursement timeline found on the Receiving Money webpage.
Students receiving financial aid from the 2026–2027 FAFSA® should expect a delayed timeline for the Spring Semester:
- 2026–2027 aid offers will not appear in your Financial Aid Portal until after the Spring semester has begun (late April).
- Pell Grants (2026–2027 FAFSA®): expected to begin disbursing sometime in May.
- Federal Student Loans (2026–2027 FAFSA®): Expected to be available sometime in July, but we are not sure that the government will be ready to release loans during the spring semester.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA® if they have not already done so. This may allow you to receive aid more quickly for the Spring semester.
Federal Student Loan Changes
Loan Amounts Based on Enrollment
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans will be more closely tied to your credit level:
Full-time enrollment (12 credits each semester) = full loan offer
- Loan amounts will be reduced if you enroll in fewer than 12 Program Applicable credits or drop below 12 credits in a semester.
- If you drop classes after receiving a loan, the adjustment may occur in your next semester's loan offer.
- Students must still be enrolled in at least 6 credits to be eligible for federal loans.
Pell Grant Changes
Cost of Attendance (COA) Limitation
Beginning in 2026–2027:
- Students whose non-federal grants, scholarships, or other benefits fully cover their Cost of Attendance (COA) will not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
- If your non-federal aid covers only part of your COA, you may still qualify for Pell.
- Dropping classes could affect your Cost of Attendance.
COA includes tuition, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, housing, and food.
Parent PLUS Loan Limits
Beginning July 1, 2026:
For new Parent PLUS borrowers:
- $20,000 maximum per academic year per student
- $65,000 maximum per student
For existing Parent PLUS borrowers (before July 1, 2026):
- May continue under previous rules
- For up to 3 years or until the student graduates, whichever comes first
Replayment Plan Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026:
- Repayment options will depend on when your loans are first disbursed.
- A new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will be introduced.
- Some existing repayment plans will be phased out over time.
Important Notes
- These changes apply to students using the 2026–2027 FAFSA®.
- Many details are still being finalized by the federal government.
- This page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available.
