The Office of Graduate Student Life wants to update graduate students on some federal financial aid changes that could impact you. Below you can find an outline of these changes and specific campus resources to help you.
Federal Financial Aid Changes
Since July 1, 2026, there are several federal changes to financial aid limits. Our Financial Aid Office has compiled information to help you navigate these changes.
Important Notes
- If you register full-time for Fall semester, you will be offered loans based on full-time enrollment for the year.
- If you then register only part-time for Spring semester, you may not actually be eligible for the Spring loans offered to you based on full-time enrollment.
- There are now lifetime federal loan limits:
- A graduate student can take out an annual maximum of $20,500 (%50k for optometry and law students).
- A student can take out a lifetime maximum of $100,000 ($200k for optometry and law students) for all of their graduate studies.
- A student can owe a total maximum of $257,500 in federal student loans at any one time, including undergrad loans.
- Continuing students who started borrowing for the same program before 7/1/26 are exempt until 7/1/28 unless you withdraw or take a break.
Talk to Financial Aid about your specific situation to make a plan for what funding will be available for the rest of your program.
Consider enrolling in a workshop offered by the Center for Financial Wellness related to student loan and debt management, or sign up for one-on-one coaching appointments.
Financial Support Resources
Read about your options: Funding Your UC Berkeley Experience
Additional Resources:
- Students get free rides on all Bay Area public transit
- Childcare Reimbursement
- An interest-free Short-Term Emergency Loan from Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
- Visit Basic Needs Financial Aid Virtual Drop-In Services to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor over Zoom on Mondays and Fridays 11am-1pm. To join these drop-ins, you can access the Zoom link directly, or enter the Meeting ID: 963 0362 8579 & Passcode: 702406.
- The Center for Financial Wellness (CFW) for free, confidential peer-to-peer financial education and coaching. Schedule an appointment or for quick questions you can email [email protected].
- Students get free therapy through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Get resources for undocumented students: UndocuGrads – Berkeley Graduate Division
- Immigration Policy Changes FAQ | Berkeley International Office
You are always welcome to contact our Grad Div Basic Needs and Housing Specialist to discuss your options. Email [email protected].