Bills/S. 308

Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

In CommitteeEducationSenateSenate Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · Senate
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would significantly restrict federal student lending for graduate and professional students by eliminating PLUS Loans (a flexible borrowing option with higher limits) and capping how much students can borrow through standard federal loans. Graduate students would be limited to $65,000 in additional borrowing, while professional students (like those in law or medical school) would be capped at $130,000 beyond what they borrowed for undergraduate studies. These changes would take effect on June 30, 2025. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts graduate and professional students pursuing advanced degrees, particularly those who rely on federal loans to finance their education.

It could affect millions of students across the country and may influence enrollment patterns in graduate programs, especially expensive fields like medicine and law. Universities would need to inform current and prospective students about these changes. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Sponsor Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced it in the 119th Congress, but it has not advanced further in the legislative process.

CRS Official Summary

Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans ActThis bill limits federal student loan borrowing for graduate and professional students.Specifically, the bill terminates the ability of a graduate or professional student to receive a Direct PLUS Loan. Institutions of higher education (IHEs) must notify their prospective and enrolled graduate and professional students that Direct PLUS Loans terminate on June 30, 2025.Additionally, the bill establishes the aggregate loan limit for Direct Unsubsidized Loans as $65,000 for a graduate student (in addition to the amount borrowed for undergraduate education) and $130,000 for a professional student (in addition to the amount borrowed for undergraduate education).The bill allows IHEs to set lower loan limits.

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Latest Action

January 29, 2025

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Subjects

Government lending and loan guaranteesHigher educationStudent aid and college costsVocational and technical education

Sponsor

1 cosponsor

Key Dates

Introduced
January 29, 2025
Last Updated
January 29, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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