Federal financial aid changes threaten access to graduate and professional education, including law school. Starting July 2026, the Grad PLUS Loan Program will be eliminated, limiting who can pursue advanced degrees. This could lead to fewer lawyers, doctors, and other essential professionals. The new rules cap federal unsubsidized loans at $50,000 per year for professional students, with a lifetime limit of $200,000. Students needing more funds will have to turn to the private loan market, which is often more expensive and lacks crucial protections. This could create a major barrier for thousands of prospective students, especially those from first-generation, working-adult, and underrepresented backgrounds. Across New York, about 32,000 graduate and professional students depend on Grad PLUS loans. Experts predict that eliminating this program could cause enrollment to drop by 15-30% in many fields. New York State is urged to act quickly and provide stable financing alternatives to preserve access to education and ensure a continued supply of professionals vital to the states economy and public good.

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