US Graduate Student Loan Caps 2026: 11 Programs Qualify for $200,000 Borrowing, But F-1 Visa Holders Are Excluded
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The US Department of Education has announced new restrictions on federal student loans set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Undergraduate students will continue to face a yearly cap of $7,500, while graduate and professional students will face stricter borrowing limits. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year, with a total limit of $100,000, and professional students can borrow up to $50,000 per year, with a total limit of $200,000. The increased borrowing limit of $200,000 will automatically apply to 11 fields, including Chiropractic, Law, Medicine, and others. However, at least 44 other fields may qualify if they meet specific requirements, such as a doctoral-level degree and professional licensure. F-1 visa holders are not eligible for federal school loans, but the new regulations may indirectly impact them as universities adjust tuition fees, scholarship offerings, and graduate program capacities. Several professional associations have criticized the list, claiming that it excludes fields that meet strict requirements and labor needs. The Department of Education has responded, stating that its definition of a professional degree is internal and does not affect the nature of a program. The proposed rule has not yet been finalized and will be released in the Federal Register for public feedback before its finalization.
