2026-27 Changes to Federal Loans
Significant changes to federal financial aid programs were recently signed into law and are effective beginning July 1, 2026.
The below information reflects the most current guidance available and is subject to change as official guidance is released by the Department of Education.
Part-Time Enrollment and Loan Eligibility
Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Graduate PLUS Loans are required to be reduced for students enrolled less than full-time. Loans will be reduced proportionally based upon enrolled credit hours, at the time of disbursement. Students must still be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for a disbursement.
Any student borrower (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) who is enrolled less than full-time during an academic year must now have the annual amount of their loans reduced using the new Schedule of Reductions required by the statute and published in the new regulations. Annual loan limits, set prior to calculating the less than full-time amount, are determined based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, cost of attendance, loan limits, dependency status, grade level, other financial assistance, and financial need.
Undergraduate Less than Full-time Enrollment
An undergraduate student is typically expected to take 12 or more credits a semester for a total of 24 or more credits during the fall/spring academic year. A student enrolled in 12+ credits during the fall semester would be eligible for up to half of the annual loan limit.
Graduate Less than Full-time Enrollment
A graduate student is typically expected to take nine credits a semester for a total of 18 credits during the fall/spring academic year. A student enrolled in nine credits during the fall semester would be eligible for up to half of the annual loan limit for the fall.
Parents of Undergraduate Students
Effective July 1, 2026, first-time Parent PLUS Loan borrowers have new annual and aggregate (lifetime) loan limits. Parent PLUS Loans are available as an option to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Careful consideration should be given to how much PLUS loan a parent plans to borrow each year to avoid exhausting PLUS loan eligibility prior to degree completion.
| Parent plus loan | updated limits |
|---|---|
| Annual Loan Limit | new annual loan limit of $20,000 per student |
| Aggregate Loan Limit | new aggregate loan limit of $65,000 per student |
A limited exception exists to allow Parent PLUS borrowers to borrow under the previous limits. Qualifications for this exception are as follows:
- Student is enrolled as of June 30, 2026,
- Student or their parent(s) previously borrowed a federal loan, and
- Student maintains continuous enrollment in an undergraduate degree-seeking program of study through graduation, or up to three years (2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29), whichever occurs first.
- For example, an undergraduate student in a four-year program who has been continuously enrolled for three years of the program prior to 2026-27, will be eligible under the limited exception for only one additional year.
Students will lose eligibility for the limited exception if they withdraw from or are not continuously enrolled in any fall or spring term. For example, if a student is enrolled through fall 2027, but does NOT enroll in spring 2028, they would not be eligible for previous loan limits when returning to their program in fall 2028.
Graduate Students
As of July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS Loan program for graduate and professional students will be eliminated for all new borrowers.
Graduate student borrowers have new aggregate (lifetime) loan limits, as well. The aggregate borrowing amount of Federal Direct Loans is $100,000 per graduate student.
| Annual limit | aggregate limit | lifetime limit |
|---|---|---|
| $20,500/year | $100,000 lifetime (not including loans borrowed at the undergraduate level) | $257,500 (includes undergraduate, graduate, and graduate PLUS loans) |
A limited exception exists to allow students to continue to borrow the Graduate PLUS Loan and to fall under prior, aggregate borrowing limits. Qualifications for the limited exception are as follows:
- Student is enrolled as of June 30, 2026,
- Student previously borrowed a federal loan for their current program of study, and
- Student maintains continuous enrollment in the same program of study through the remaining length of their program.
For example, if a graduate student is in a two-year program and was continuously enrolled for one year of the program prior to 2026-27, the student will be eligible under the limited exception for only one additional year. Students who have been enrolled in their program of study for the equivalent of their expected time to credential prior to 2026-27 (e.g., two years for a master's program defined as 2 years) are not eligible for the limited exception.
Students will lose eligibility for the limited exception if they withdraw from or are not continuously enrolled in any fall or spring term. For example, if a student is enrolled through fall 2026, but does NOT enroll in spring 2027, they would not be eligible for prior loan limits when returning to their program in fall 2027.
This limited exception rule will expire at the end of 2028-2029, or when the student has met or exceeded their program's expected time to credential, whichever comes first.
UIS Financial Assistance is tracking changes and will update this website as new information or official guidance from the Department of Education becomes available. These changes are a result of HR 1 – Public Law No. 119–21, OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act).
Please Visit Federal Student Aid (FSA) for the Latest Updates
Last updated: May 14, 2026
How do I view, accept or deny, and request changes to my aid offer?
- Log in to the UIS Student Self-Service portal
- Click on Financial Aid Notification
- Make sure you select the correct aid year.
- To accept/decline all or part of your offered aid, select the Accept/Decline button at the bottom of the notification.
- Once you have clicked Accept/Decline, you are given to option to accept the full amount or click modify to take out a portion of the aid offered.
- You can also request changes to your aid using the Request Changes button or by emailing Finaid@uis.edu.
When is financial aid disbursed?
Financial aid may be disbursed to the student account up to 10 days prior to the first day of classes. Students who are missing required documents or have not accepted financial aid in Self-Service may not receive a disbursement.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Prairie Promise?
A student must be an Illinois resident, be entering college as either a first-time, first-year (freshman) student or as a transfer student with a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or above, be eligible for and receive the State of Illinois MAP Grant (as demonstrated by applying for aid through the FAFSA), enroll full-time, and not be in a fully online academic program.
How do I send requested documentation to financial aid?
Most forms and documents may be uploaded via UIS Student Self Service portal
- Log in to the UIS Student Self-Service portal
- Click on the Financial Aid Home page
- Below the unsatisfied requirement you are submitting, click the Choose File button
- Choose the file to upload and click Open (.pdf, .jpg and .png file types)
- Once you view the file as Pending next to the Choose File button, click Submit
- If the document has been uploaded successfully, you will see a "Document Upload Successful" status appear in the yellow box.
When will I receive my refund?
If you have excess financial aid that exceeds institutional charges on your UIS student account, University Bursar will issue a refund. The earliest a refund may be issued each semester is approximately a week prior to the start of classes.
What UIS funds are included in the Promise?
Students may not see a grant or scholarship on their financial aid offer labeled as Prairie Promise. Beyond the IL MAP Grant, students' tuition and fees are covered by a combination of UIS gift aid such as Star Scholar Award, Capital Honor Scholarship, or AIM HIGH Grant funds. Other awards that will be included are Camerata Music Scholarship, Memorial Health Pre-Nursing scholarship, Child of Veteran tuition waiver, Child of Employee tuition waiver, and any other UIS-funded grants, scholarships and waivers. Some students may see a Promise award on their aid offer.
Where can I view and pay my remaining balance?
University Bursar prepares the billing statements for students. Tuition and fees are not assessed for students until closer to the start of each term, with official billing taking place after the add/drop period ends for each term.
- Log in to the UIS Student Self-Service portal
- Click on account billing information
- Click on the UI-Pay
- You can pay through View and Pay accounts
For more information on student accounts and how to pay, contact University Bursar at 217-333-2180 or bursarhelp@uillinois.edu.
What information do I need to apply for financial aid?
Before you apply for financial aid, here’s some information you will need.
- Your parents’ tax return for the tax year indicated on the FAFSA.
- Your tax return for the tax year indicated on the FAFSA
- Other income and asset information
- Student driver’s license
- Student and parent social security numbers, date of birth and legal names
If you are a dependent student, you and your parent will each need to create a StudentAid.gov account. You will need both of your social security numbers. You can create your account at StudentAid.gov.
Once you create your StudentAid.gov account, you may begin your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can apply for financial aid at studentaid.gov. If you need help with your FAFSA you can contact our office at (217) 206-6724 or schedule a meeting with an advisor at UIS Financial Aid.
Students who are ineligible to file the FAFSA and reside in the state of Illinois may be able to apply using the Illinois Alternative Application.
Is the Promise renewable?
If students continue to meet the basic eligibility requirements and receive the IL MAP grant, they will continue to be eligible for the Prairie Promise for up to four years of undergraduate full-time study.
How do I utilize Veteran or Military Education benefits at UIS?
New students who will be using veteran and/or military benefits should send an email to finaid@uis.edu so that the appropriate requirements can be added to your Student Self-Service portal. Please include your UIN and the specific benefit(s) that you have been awarded. A UIS Request for Benefits, available on our financial aid forms page, will be required for each semester that you intend to enroll and use military benefits. The form and additional instructions can be emailed to you upon request.
Does the FERPA form allow disclosure of Federal Tax Information (FTI)?
A FERPA form can be completed which gives permission to disclosure higher-level financial aid information to a third party the student designates. However, students and contributors should be aware that FERPA does not authorize the sharing of FTI data. FTI data transferred from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may only be shared with the student upon request with the Office of Financial Assistance. These data elements are considered highly protected by IRS Code and are only able to be used by higher education institutions for the purpose of administering financial aid programs, including determining eligibility and amounts of Title IV aid.
The following information is included in FTI:
- Tax Year (ex. Award year 2025-26 is based on 2023 tax year information from the IRS)
- Tax Filing Status
- Adjust Gross Income (AGI)
- Number of Exemptions and Number of Dependents
- Income Earned from Work
- Taxes Paid
- Educational Credits
- Untaxed IRA distributions
- IRA deductible and payments
- Tax exempt interest
- Untaxed pension amounts
- Schedule C net profit/loss
- Indicators for Schedules A, B, D, E, F, H
- IRS response code
Are current students eligible for the Promise?
No, not at this time. The Prairie Promise is a financial aid initiative that is available to only first-year, first-time (freshmen) or transfer students who met the admission requirements mentioned under the eligibility criteria.
What is a Master Promissory Note (MPN)?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). All first-time student and parent borrowers of federal Direct student loans, and borrowers whose previous MPN has expired, must complete the MPN before loan funds can be disbursed to your student account.
Are students who are veterans or military eligible for the Promise?
Students are not excluded due to military or veteran status, as long as they are first-time freshmen and meet all other eligibility requirements for the Promise.
Many veteran or military-connected students are eligible for various types of military or veteran's assistance. Students with full tuition military-connected or veteran benefits may not have a need for the UIS Promise.
What costs are not covered?
Room and board, course-specific fees such as laboratory fees, study abroad fees, the new student orientation fee, and indirect expenses like books, supplies and travel are not covered. Late fees, parking permits, parking tickets, damages, and other non-mandatory, optional fees are not included.
What do I need to know about Financial Aid?
Please read our UIS Student Guide to Financial Aid.
Will the Prairie Promise cover all fees?
The promise will cover mandatory fees for an undergraduate student with a full -time load of 15 credits/semester. Fees associated with online courses, lab fees, optional fees, athletic fees, late fees, parking permits or parking violation fees, and other non-mandatory fees are not included.
What costs are covered?
The full cost of tuition and required fees up to 15 credit hours per semester.
This cost is estimated as the average of tuition & fees for a student taking 15 credit hours, as indicated on the student's financial aid offer notification letter. The student's actual cost may be slightly more or less than this estimate.
What is Federal Work Study (FWS) and how do I find a work study job?
Work study is a part-time employment program for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are at least half-time students in a degree program and demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA each year. If you have been awarded work study and would like to view work-study as well as part-time job listings, go to our CareerConnect website.
What if I register for more than 15 credit hours per semester?
The Promise is intended to cover tuition and mandatory fees based upon an average of 15 credit hours per semester. Students may register for more or less credits as long as they are still enrolled full-time of at least 12 credit hours. The State of IL MAP Grant is pro-rated for enrollment of less than 15 credits, per state regulations. However, UIS scholarships and grants will not be increased to cover more than 15 credits per semester, nor will it be decreased if registered for between 12-15 credits.
Why is there an adjustment to my MAP grant?
The MAP Grant pays according to the number of enrolled credit hours. Students enrolled in 15 or more credit hours will receive 100% of the MAP Grant award on their financial aid notification. Enrollment below 15 credit hours causes a prorated MAP disbursement. If the number of credit hours changes after the initial disbursement of the MAP Grant, by adding or dropping credit hours, the funds already paid to a student account may be adjusted.
Will military and veteran’s education benefits be considered part of the Promise?
Students receiving federal veterans’ education benefits, such as Post 9/11 GI Bill, may still be eligible for the Promise if all other criteria is met. Students who are utilizing State of Illinois veteran or military benefits may not have the need for the Promise. State of Illinois programs include Illinois Veterans Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant, and Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Scholarship for dependents. These programs already cover full tuition and many mandatory fees.
How much does it cost to get an Endorsement?
Endorsement cost depends on the endorsement, credit hours, level, residency, delivery format, and fees. View the Tuition and Fees page for more details on cost for upcoming terms and/or contact the School of Education.
How much does it cost to get a Licensure?
UIS licensure cost depends on the program, residency, delivery format, credit hours needed, and fees. For teacher licensure, UIS audits your transcripts after admission to determine remaining requirements. View the Tuition and Fees page for more details on cost for upcoming terms and/or contact the School of Education.
How much does it cost to get a Graduate Certificate?
Graduate certificate cost depends on credit hours, program, residency, delivery, and fees. View the Tuition and Fees page for more details on cost for upcoming terms.
Where do I find tuition and fees?
What is instate tuition?
What is the cost recovery program?
Find info about the Cost recovery program
When is fall tuition due?
How do I contact Financial Aid?
How do I know if I am eligible for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid
What are the student requirements for Financial Aid?
You can send documentation, view requirements, and check your status through self-service
How do I apply for summer Financial Aid?
You can check your status on the UIS website.
How do I get help applying for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid
How do I accept my Financial Aid?
Visit Banner Self-Service to view awards.
Where are the Financial Aid forms?
How many hours do a graduate students needs to be enrolled to receive Financial Aid?
Visit the Terms and Conditons page for more info.
My family circumstances have changed since I submitted the FAFSA what can I do?
If your family circumstances have changed since submitting your FAFSA, please visit Change of Financial Situation. Every year ISAC, the state agency that administers the MAP grant Program, determines a FAFSA submission deadline for MAP eligibility. Any student who submits their initial FAFSA after the state MAP deadline will not be eligible to receive it for that upcoming academic year.
What is the cost of attendance?
Find that info on the Cost of Attendance page
What is the cost of the payment plan?
Visit the University Bursar Payment Plan page
How much is out of state tuition?
How much is etuition?
In what ways can I pay my tuition?
How do I email Financial Aid?
When should I start the Financial Aid process?
Find out more about applying for aid
When will I receive my Financial Aid?
You can check your status on the UIS website.
When will my Financial Aid eligibility be determined?
You can check your status on the UIS website.
When should I start applying for Financial Aid?
Find FAFSA Deadlines
How do I decline a Financial Aid award?
Visit Banner Self-Service to view awards.
What is state Financial Aid?
Visit the FAFSA site for more info about State Aid
What is Entrance Loan Counseling?
Entrance counseling ensures you understand the terms and conditions of your loan and your rights and responsibilities. You will learn what a loan is, how interest works, your options for repayment, and how to avoid delinquency and default. All first-time loan borrowers at UIS must complete entrance loan counseling.
When you are finished, a record of your completion will be sent to the schools you selected. Keep in mind that you cannot save and leave an incomplete session; you must complete entrance counseling in one session. You can complete entrance loan counseling at Studentaid.gov.
Why did I receive MAP grant last year, but not this year?
Every year ISAC, the state agency that administers the MAP grant Program, determines a FAFSA submission deadline for MAP eligibility. Any student who submits their initial FAFSA after the state MAP deadline will not be eligible to receive it for that upcoming academic year.
The MAP Grant is a need-based award. Financial need is determined using the data submitted on the FAFSA. MAP Grant eligibility is determined by FAFSA information and tuition.
There are limits to MAP Grant eligibility based on grade level and total credit hours. Those details can be found at the bottom of the State Grant page. Monetary Award Program | MAP Grants (isac.org)
The MAP Grant is available only to Illinois residents and/or the dependents of Illinois residents. If a student or their parents (for dependent students) no longer reside in Illinois, they will no longer be eligible for the MAP grant.
Where is the bookstore?
Visit the Bookstore on the first floor of the PAC or visit them online.
How much is tuition?
What is the tuition for undergrad?
Can I get tax deductions for my tuition?
Find out more about tax and credit deductions
How do I get my tuition bill?
View info about your Student Account
What is the Financial Aid's phone number?
When is the time to apply for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid
When should I apply for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid.
What are the basic requirements for receiving Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid: https://www.uis.edu/Financial-aid/applying-aid
Do I have to repay Financial Aid if I withdraw?
Visit the University Bursar for info about paying your bill.
I havent received my Financial Aid letter.
Visit Banner Self-Service to view award status.
Am I eligible for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid .
How do I utilize Veteran’s or Military Education benefits at UIS?
New students who will be using veteran and/or military benefits should send an email to finaid@uis.edu) so that the appropriate requirements can be added to your Student Self-Service portal. Please include your UIN and the specific benefit(s) that you have been awarded. A UIS Request for Benefits, available on our financial aid forms page, will be required for each semester that you intend to enroll and use military benefits. The form and additional instructions can be emailed to you upon request.
Why is there an adjustment on my MAP grant?
The MAP Grant pays according to the number of enrolled credit hours. Students enrolled in 15 or more credit hours will receive 100% of the MAP Grant award on their financial aid notification. Enrollment below 15 credit hours causes a prorated MAP disbursement. If the number of credit hours changes after the initial disbursement of the MAP Grant, by adding or dropping credit hours, the funds already paid to a student account may be adjusted.
What is the freshman cost and scholarship estimator?
One application is used to apply for various scholarships- including Global Studies, Music, Visual Arts, Theatre and more! All types of students are eligible to apply including international, online and graduate students. Visit our Scholarship application.
What is the cost of attendance for a freshman?
Find that info on the Cost of Attendance page.
What is your graduate tuition?
What is the tuition refund policy?
Informaiton about withdrawing and refunds.
I cant afford my tuition.
Visit the Office of Financial Aid to find out different assistance options
What is Financial Aid's fax?
What are some tips for applying for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid
How do I get help appling for Financial Aid?
Contact Financial Aid for assistance
When is the Financial Aid processing deadline for fall 2023?
Can I get Financial Aid for study abroad?
Yes, you can find more info on the Study Away page.
Where can I learn about Financial Aid notification?
Find out more about the Financial Aid offer letter.
What are my Financial Aid options?
Visit the Types of Aid page for more info.
What is the Master Promissory Note (MPN)?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). All first-time student and parent borrowers of federal Direct student loans, and borrowers whose previous MPN has expired, must complete the MPN before loan funds can be disbursed to your student account.
Is financial aid available during the summer?
Yes, financial aid is available during the summer. An undergraduate student must be enrolled in at least half-time (6 credit-hours) to be eligible for Pell grant and Direct loans. For a graduate student they must be enrolled in at least half-time (three credit-hours) to be eligible for Direct loans during the summer semester.
How do I find the freshman cost and scholarship estimator?
Visit our Scholarship application
What is the cost of attendance for undergrads?
Find that info on the Cost of Attendance page.
How much is tuition of online graduate programs?
When is tuition due?
Where can we pay our tuition at UIS?
Visit the University Bursar
What is Financial Aid's hours?
How do I check my Financial Aid status?
How is Financial Aid determined?
Find out more about applying for aid.
When is the Financial Aid processing deadline for spring 2024?
Where is the Financial Aid guide?
Find a link to the Financial Aid guide.
What is the Financial Aid school code?
Federal School Code is 009333
When will my Financial Aid be applied to my account?
You can check your status on the UIS Website.
What happens if I have excess financial aid?
Refunds are issued by University Bursar. You can review your account status on the University Bursar website(link is external). If your account has a credit balance pending, you can contact University Bursar at 217-333-2180 or email bursarhelp@uillinois.edu for information regarding the refund. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through University Bursar’s website in order to receive funds quicker, and avoid delays.
If I drop courses during the semester, how does that impact my financial aid?
Adding or dropping courses can affect your aid eligibility. You should contact a financial aid counselor before adding or dropping courses.
What is tuition for senior citizens?
For an explanation of the tuition and fee charges, please visit the Registrar's Tuition and Fees website.
What is the cost of attendance for graduate students?
Find that info on the Cost of Attendance page.
What is the cost per credit?
When is spring tuition due?
Where is the tuition calculator?
Please list the Financial Aid staff.
Can I get other Financial Aid if I have an Aim High scholarship?
Find out more about applying for aid
What do I do if I am a victim of a Financial Aid scam?
Contact Financial Aid for assistance
When is the Financial Aid processing deadline for summer 2024?
How can I see my Financial Aid awards?
Visit Banner Self-Service to view awards.
How many student receive Financial Aid?
On average 80% or more of students receive aid
Tell me about the Financial Aid process
You can find information about Financial Aid on the UIS Website.
What happens if I withdraw from a class, or withdraw from the university completely?
Students who begin attendance and drop a class or withdraw completely from the university for the semester may experience a reduction in financial aid. Timing is also important. Please visit the Financial Aid Withdrawal policy for more details.
How much are meal plans?
Visit the Meal Plans page to see current meal plans available/
What is the cost of attendance for online graduate?
Find that info on the Cost of Attendance page.
Does it cost money to apply to this university?
Find application information and requirements on the Apply page
When is summer tuition due?
I am a transfer student, how do I apply for institutional scholarships?
Review our Scholarships
Where are the Financial Aid terms and conditions?
How can I see my Financial Aid status and awards?
How can I qualify for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid.
Can I receive Financial Aid as a conditional admission student?
Find info about conditional admission
How will I receive my Financial Aid offer?
Find out more about the Financial Aid offer letter.
What is the Financial Aid deadline?
Find FAFSA Deadlines on the FAFSA site.
How do I appeal my Financial Aid?
Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. In order to be considered for aid programs administered by the UIS Office of Financial assistance, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
How much is housing?
What is the cost of attendance for online undergraduates?
Find that info on the Cost of Attendance page.
How can I get application and cost materials sent to my home?
Find application information and requirements on the Apply page
When is the fall tuition deadline?
How do I go about applying for Financial Aid?
Find out more about applying for aid
Where to find Financial Aid resources?
What Financial Aid information can I view through Student Selfservice?
You can send documentation, view requirements, and check your status through self-service
How can I contact someone for Financial assistance services?
Contact Financial Aid for assistance
What is the Financial Aid procedure for withdrawing?
Find info about withdrawing on the Registrars site
When will I get my Financial Aid award notification?
Visit Banner Self-Service to view awards.
What is the Financial Aid website?
What is Financial Aid?
Student Financial Aid in the United States is funding that is available exclusively to students attending a post-secondary educational institution in the United States. This funding is used to assist in covering the many costs incurred in the pursuit of post-secondary education.
What is work study and how do I find a work study job?
Work study is a part-time employment program for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are at least half-time students in a degree program and demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA each year. If you have been awarded work study and would like to view work-study as well as part-time job listings, go to our CareerConnect website.