Federal student loan policies may change over time as a result of federal legislation or Department of Education guidance. This page provides the most current information about upcoming changes to federal loan eligibility and what they may mean for Community College System of New Hampshire students.
We are committed to sharing clear, accurate information and supporting students as they plan ahead.
Upcoming Federal Loan Policy Changes
Effective Beginning with the 2026–2027 Academic Year
Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year (CCSNH is a header college, 2026-2027 start Summer 2026), federal rules will update how federal loan eligibility is determined. These changes apply nationally and are not specific to the Community College System of New Hampshire.
Key changes include
- Loan based on annual enrollment
Students enrolled less than full time will see a reduced maximum federal loan amount. Loan eligibility will be calculated based on the number of credits in which a student is enrolled.
This change applies regardless of prior borrowing and does not have legacy provisions. - Parent PLUS Loan Annual and Aggregate Limits
The Federal Parent PLUS loans will be capped at a maximum of $20,000 per student per academic year, with a lifetime aggregate limit of $65,000 per student. These limits apply to all parents combined per dependent undergraduate student beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Legacy provisions may apply for some current students who remain enrolled in the same program. See “What Is Not Changing” below.
What Is Not Changing
While some aspects of federal loan eligibility are changing, several important programs will continue.
- Federal Direct Loans will remain available to eligible students.
- Legacy Parent PLUS Borrowing can continue under prior borrowing limits tied to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid provided the student or parent borrower has:
- Borrowed a federal direct loan before July 1, 2026 while the dependent student was enrolled
All legacy provisions are limited to the shorter of:
- The remaining length of the program, or
- Three additional years.
For many students — particularly those enrolled full time — there may be little or no immediate impact.
What Students Should Know
CCSNH will continue to provide students with an anticipated full time loan amount as part of the financial aid process based on expected enrollment.
- Final loan eligibility is confirmed after course registration and review of cost of attendance.
- For some students, loan eligibility may look different than in prior years.
- For others, eligibility may remain largely the same.
Detailed and individualized information will be shared when CCSNH receives the final regulation from the US Department of Education.
2026 – 2027 Loan Reduction:
See Chart below for calculation:
| Credit hours for Academic year | Number of Credits considered Full Time for academic year | % of Eligible Loan limit* |
| 24 | 24 | 100% |
| 23 | 24 | 96% |
| 22 | 24 | 92% |
| 21 | 24 | 88% |
| 20 | 24 | 83% |
| 19 | 24 | 79% |
| 18 | 24 | 75% |
| 17 | 24 | 71% |
| 16 | 24 | 67% |
| 15 | 24 | 63% |
| 14 | 24 | 58% |
| 13 | 24 | 54% |
| 12 | 24 | 50% |
| 11 | 24 | 46% |
| 10 | 24 | 42% |
| 9 | 24 | 38% |
| 8 | 24 | 33% |
| 7 | 24 | 29% |
| 6 | 24 | 25% |
* Annual loan limits may be affected by Withdrawal and Dropping course after disbursement.
Waiting Further guidance regarding loan proration from the Department of Education.