Student Life & Campus — 2026-06-07
Major federal student loan changes take effect July 1, reshaping repayment options and borrowing limits for millions of students. Universities are establishing new support systems like food pantries to address student hardship, while admissions timelines for 2026-27 are now finalized with earlier-than-usual deadlines.
Student Life & Campus — 2026-06-07
Campus News
Student Loan Borrowing and Repayment Overhaul Begins July 1
A major federal student loan overhaul takes effect on July 1, 2026, fundamentally reshaping how students and parents can borrow and repay. The changes will affect both borrowing limits and repayment options available to new borrowers, marking the most significant restructuring of federal student aid in years.
Under the new rules, borrowers who finish taking out loans after July 1 will have limited income-driven repayment options. The main option for new borrowers will be RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan), which requires 30 years of qualifying payments before loans can be forgiven—much longer than previous income-driven plans that offered forgiveness after 20-25 years.
The Education Department has finalized landmark rules aimed at simplifying student loan repayment. Provisions related to rehabilitation, deferment, and forbearances will take effect July 1, 2027, while certain repayment plans will sunset July 1, 2028.
2026-27 Admissions Deadlines Move Earlier
University admissions timelines for 2026-27 show many deadlines falling earlier than in past years, making planning crucial for prospective students. Students can be set back a full year if important deadlines are missed, so advance planning is more critical than ever.
Student Life
Regent University Opens Student Food Pantry
Regent University announced the establishment of a Student Food Pantry on June 5, 2026—a free resource designed to eliminate food insecurity and support student health. The initiative reflects growing recognition of basic needs challenges on college campuses.
Money & Debt
Student Loan Forgiveness Paths Narrowing Under New Rules
Borrowers face a significantly narrower path to loan forgiveness. Current borrowers can maintain existing repayment plans, but those entering the system after July 1 will find forgiveness options dramatically restricted. Income-based repayment (IBR) will only remain available for borrowers who finish borrowing before the July 1 deadline.
Federal Student Loan Defaults Mounting
Student loan defaults are returning to consumers' credit reports for the first time since the COVID pandemic pause. The New York Federal Reserve reported that 2.6 million borrowers fell into default in early 2026, signaling a sharp rise in repayment challenges as pandemic-era payment freezes ended.
For prospective and current students, the July 1 deadline marks a critical point: those finishing their borrowing before then will have more favorable repayment options than those who begin after. Financial aid advisors recommend contacting your institution immediately to understand how these changes affect your specific situation.
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