Federal Financial Aid Changes for 2026–2027
What Cheyney University Students Need to Know
Recent federal legislation (Public Law 119-21, referred to as The One Big Beautiful Bill) which was passed on JULY 4, 2025, introduces updates to federal financial aid programs. These changes will begin with the 2026–2027 academic year and may affect how much aid you can receive and how eligibility is determined.
Good news: Financial aid is still available. Grants, loans, and scholarships will continue — but some rules are changing.
What Changed vs. What Stayed the Same
| What Changed for 2026–2027 | What Stayed the Same |
| Federal loan amounts may be reduced if a student is enrolled less than full-time. | Students should still complete the FAFSA every year. |
| Parent PLUS Loans will have new annual and lifetime borrowing limits. | Federal financial aid is still available. |
| Pell Grant eligibility rules will be updated. | Pell Grants are not being eliminated. |
| Some FAFSA income and asset calculations will change. | Federal student loans remain available to eligible students. |
| Some students may see changes in aid eligibility based on SAI or total aid received. | Cheyney University will continue helping students identify grants, loans, scholarships, and payment options. |
| Students may need to monitor eligibility more closely beginning with the 2026–2027 FAFSA. | Students can continue using CU Experience to review financial aid and TouchNet to view account balances and payment plans. |
Key Changes Starting in 2026–2027
Federal Student Loans
Loan amounts based on enrollment
- If you are enrolled less than full-time, your loan amount will be reduced.
Parent PLUS Loans
- Are still available, but with new limits:
- $20,000 per year (per student)
- $65,000 lifetime limit (per student)
Lifetime Federal Loan Limit
- A total borrowing cap of $257,500 will apply across most federal loan programs
Pell Grant Eligibility
Changes to Pell Grant eligibility may affect some students:
- If your Student Aid Index (SAI) is too high, you may not qualify
- Example: If the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395, students with an SAI above $14,790 may not be eligible
- If your total financial aid already covers your full cost of attendance, you may not receive Pell and eligibility will depend on your individual FAFSA results.
What you should do next to stay on track with your financial aid:
- Complete the FAFSA every year
- Apply for scholarships early
- Review your Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Check your student account regularly
- Contact Student Financial Services for help understanding your options
How Cheyney University Can Support You
You may be eligible for:
- Cheyney University scholarships and merit awards
- State aid programs (such as PA State Grant)
- Private scholarships and outside funding
Our team works with you to build a personalized financial aid plan.
At Cheyney University, we are committed to helping you understand these updates and find the most affordable way to complete your education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Federal financial aid is not going away. These changes only affect how aid is calculated and awarded.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.
Yes. Updates will impact how income and assets are evaluated.
No. Pell Grants will still be available, but eligibility rules are changing.
Yes, but with new annual and lifetime borrowing limits.
Yes, Beginning with the 2026–2027academic year more types of income may be counted, some foreign income may now be included, and family farms and small businesses will no longer be excluded as assets
Yes, this is the most important step to receive financial aid.
|
Cheyney University Federal Code 003317 |
|||
|
