Financial Aid Announcements
Federal Student Loan Updates Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The U.S. Department of Education has announced upcoming federal student loan changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), with many provisions taking effect beginning July 1, 2026. These updates may affect borrowing eligibility, federal loan limits, and loan monitoring processes for graduate and professional students, including students enrolled in dental programs.
Here’s what you need to know:
New Federal Loan Limits
OBBBA introduces new aggregate federal student loan limits for graduate and professional students. The Department of Education has also established a new lifetime maximum federal student loan borrowing limit.
Graduate PLUS Loan Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, graduate and professional students who do not qualify for a federal exception provision may no longer be eligible to borrow Graduate PLUS Loans.
Beginning July 1, 2026, graduate and professional students who do not qualify for a federal exception provision may no longer be eligible to borrow Graduate PLUS Loans.
Students interested in applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan may review the UCLA Graduate PLUS Loan information page and apply directly through the Federal Student Aid website:
- Applying for the GRAD Plus Loan at UCLA
- Federal Student Aid – Apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan
Current Student Exception Provisions
Certain currently enrolled borrowers may qualify for temporary exception provisions that allow continued access to pre-OBBBA borrowing limits for a limited period of time. Once the exception period ends, the new federal loan limits will apply.
NSLDS and Federal Aid Processing Updates
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is implementing updated loan monitoring, eligibility tracking, and post-screening processes to support these federal changes beginning with the 2026–27 award year.
Why is this important?
These federal changes may impact future borrowing eligibility, aggregate federal loan limits, and long-term financial planning for graduate and professional students.
Need Additional Information?
The Department of Education continues to release implementation guidance as federal regulations are finalized. UCLA School of Dentistry Financial Aid will continue monitoring federal guidance and will share additional updates as more information becomes available.
Students are encouraged to review the official Federal Student Aid announcement and the Department of Education’s Announcements and Events page for additional details and future updates.
Introducing Bruin Financial Aid (BFA)
UCLA is pleased to introduce Bruin Financial Aid (BFA), a new cloud-based financial aid system designed to improve the student experience, streamline financial aid processing, and provide enhanced access to financial aid resources and information.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is Bruin Financial Aid?
Bruin Financial Aid will be the platform for managing your financial aid. Helpful resources such as videos, guides, and FAQs can be found on the Bruin Financial Aid Help Webpage.
Why was Bruin Financial Aid implemented?
This new system will enhance your experience, speed up processing times, and help UCLA support you in achieving your academic goals. Access Bruin Financial Aid through MyUCLA Bruin Financial Aid Portal, and for more details, you can watch the Bruin Financial Aid Announcement Video.
How do students access Bruin Financial Aid?
Students may access Bruin Financial Aid through the MyUCLA Bruin Financial Aid Portal.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the MyUCLA Message Center. Make sure to include your 9-digit UCLA ID number for quicker assistance.