New federal loan caps could change how Brophy students and their families pay for college. The “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by the Trump administration on July 4, 2025, will restrict how much students and parents can borrow beginning July 1, 2026.
According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, undergraduate students will face a lifetime borrowing limit of $257,500.
Also, Parent PLUS loans … often used to close the gap between federal aid and tuition … will be capped at $20,000 per year with a $65,000 lifetime maximum on parents.
Supporters argue this bill aims to curb ballooning student debt, but critics worry it will put higher education out of reach for many families.
Some Brophy students already see the potential consequences.
“It has the ability to be catastrophic in the decision for other students going to college,” said Shaan Chokshi ’26, who also added that he doesn’t expect to be personally affected.
College counselor Ms. Burnadean Dyment said families may have to reconsider which schools are realistic.
“Families will certainly limit options … you’ll have to carefully consider what now is affordable within the family budget,” said Ms. Dyment.
She added that if federal aid falls short, families may turn to private loans.
Students also raised concerns about equity.
“Putting caps on student loans makes college less accessible for those who can’t afford it on their own,” said TC Collum ’26. “That not only blocks students from going to the universities they want, but it could also create demographic shifts in the long term that are harmful for the country.”
Collum also said that the issue is not abstract but close to home.
“I know people here who will be directly affected by this,” Collum said. “It’s not just a national issue … limits on student loans could change how students in our own Brophy community are able to apply to and attend college.”
Though the new limits won’t affect students until the class of 2026 begins college, both counselors and students agree that the conversation around affordability has begun to change. For many senior families, this next year will mean balancing aspirations with the realities of cost.
“The financial piece has always been significant,” Ms. Dyment said. “What changes now is making sure students and families are educated about these new rules and how they impact financial aid.”