Federal grad loans just got smaller.
Here's exactly what to do next.
A plain-language guide to the new borrowing caps, the grandfather rules, and how to fill the gap — built by people who read the fine print so you don't have to.
What actually changed, in numbers
No jargon, no fine print — the caps, the timeline, and who's affected, pulled straight from the new rules.
Explainers for every decision point
Short and specific — written to meet you right where you are.
Am I still covered under the old limits?
How the 3-year transition window works, and how to check where your program falls.
Read the explainer →Borrowing capsHow much can I actually borrow now?
The new annual and lifetime federal ceilings, and what they mean for your budget.
Read the explainer →Credit & cosignersWhat if I can't qualify alone?
What private lenders actually check, and how cosigner release works once you can go it alone.
Read the explainer →RatesFixed vs. variable, and what drives your offer
Why two students see different rates from the same lender, and how to shop safely.
Read the explainer →RepaymentFederal vs. private repayment, side by side
Forgiveness eligibility, forbearance options, and what you give up moving to a private loan.
Read the explainer →Filling the gapScholarships, assistantships, and last-resort options
Ways to shrink the amount you need to borrow before you go looking for a lender.
Read the explainer →Lenders worth a look, side by side
We work with a small set of lenders directly — not the whole market, just the ones we'd point a friend toward.
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Ready when you are
Once you know your numbers, applying takes most lenders under 10 minutes. We'll tell you what to have ready first.
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