Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

3/12/2024, 7:15 PM

Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

This 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, 2024.

Additionally, the bill reduces the aggregate loan limits for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. In particular, the bill establishes the aggregate loan limit as $65,000 for a graduate student (down from $138,500) and $130,000 for a professional student (down from $138,500).

The bill allows IHEs to set lower loan limits.

The Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act, also known as Bill 118 s 1968, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide increased access to affordable loans for graduate students pursuing higher education.

Under this act, the government would establish a new loan program specifically for graduate students, offering lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than traditional private loans. This would help alleviate the financial burden that many graduate students face when trying to finance their education.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to simplify the application process for these loans and increase transparency around loan terms and conditions. This is aimed at making it easier for students to understand their financial obligations and make informed decisions about their education financing. Overall, the Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act seeks to make higher education more accessible and affordable for graduate students, ultimately helping to increase the number of individuals pursuing advanced degrees and contributing to a more educated workforce in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
S - 1968

Introduced on
2023-06-14

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/14/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

This 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, 2024.

Additionally, the bill reduces the aggregate loan limits for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. In particular, the bill establishes the aggregate loan limit as $65,000 for a graduate student (down from $138,500) and $130,000 for a professional student (down from $138,500).

The bill allows IHEs to set lower loan limits.

The Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act, also known as Bill 118 s 1968, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide increased access to affordable loans for graduate students pursuing higher education.

Under this act, the government would establish a new loan program specifically for graduate students, offering lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than traditional private loans. This would help alleviate the financial burden that many graduate students face when trying to finance their education.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to simplify the application process for these loans and increase transparency around loan terms and conditions. This is aimed at making it easier for students to understand their financial obligations and make informed decisions about their education financing. Overall, the Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act seeks to make higher education more accessible and affordable for graduate students, ultimately helping to increase the number of individuals pursuing advanced degrees and contributing to a more educated workforce in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to modify the annual and aggregate limits of Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for graduate and professional students, and to terminate Federal Direct PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Education

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/20/2024

Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

This bill limits federal student loan borrowing for graduate and professional students.

Specifically, the bill terminates the ability of a graduate or professional student to rece...


Latest Action6/14/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.