Financing Your Chamberlain Education

Making confident decisions about your future starts with financial clarity. Explore funding options, opportunities to lower tuition costs, and how recent legislation may impact your Chamberlain degree program.

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Helping You Navigate Federal Changes 

As early as May 1, 2026, new legislation will significantly limit federal borrowing. This means federal aid alone may not cover the full cost of your education. 

For the latest information on the One Big Beautiful Bill, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

You don’t have to sort through these changes on your own. Chamberlain is here to help you understand your options, create a personalized funding plan, and feel prepared as you take the next step.

Future Students: Request More Information

Important Update

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4, 2025. This law makes significant changes to federal financial aid programs—including new loan limits, new loan repayment options, and updated eligibility requirements, for both current and future students.*  

*The information on this page is based on Chamberlain University’s understanding of the changes as of April 2026; information is subject to change as the Department of Education provides updates. 

Most Changes Take Effect July 1, 2026, for the 2026–2027 Award Year

Funding Your Education

We’re committed to helping you reach your goals. That’s why Chamberlain offers a range of options to manage the cost of your degree.

Federal Student Loans

Chamberlain is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in a variety of federal aid programs.

Scholarships

Explore grants and scholarships that can help lower your tuition costs, for those who apply and qualify. 

 Private Education Loans

Private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, or other lenders to help pay for education costs.  

NEW! Chamberlain Care Grant

The new Chamberlain Care Grant offers $1,000 per sessions for the first 4 academic sessions (up to $4,000) for eligible BSN students.

View the Scholarship Guide

I am a:

Current Undergraduate Student
You are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program that starts on or before June 30, 2026.

What’s staying the same:

Undergraduate Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loan Limits

The Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan limits are staying the same.

Annual loan limit: $5,500 to$12,500

Aggregate loan limits: $31,000 for dependent students or $57,500 for independent students

What’s changing:

Reduced Annual Loan Amounts for Students Enrolled Less Than Full Time

If you enroll less than full time (12 credits per quarter or semester) over a full academic year, the annual amount of loans you qualify for will be reduced proportionally.  This change begins with your first disbursement in the 2026-2027 academic year.  

For example: If you enroll in 9 credits each semester (75% of full-time enrollment), your annual amount will be reduced by 25%. Note that this change takes effect with the 2026–2027 award year and is not delayed for students eligible for the grandfathering provision.

What can you do?  If you can, enroll full time to avoid any reduction in your loans. If you plan to enroll less than full time and need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Parent PLUS Loan Limits

Students borrowing federal funds for their program for the first time after June 30 will have per-student annual and aggregate limits on their Parent PLUS loans.

Annual: $20,000 per year, per student

Aggregate: $65,000 per student

What can you do? If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Pell Grant Eligibility

The new legislation makes minor changes to the eligibility requirements for the Pell Grant.  These include:

  • Excluding some assets from family businesses and commercial fishing operations.
  • Including foreign income.
  • Creating a cap on Pell Grant eligibility; students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) twice the maximum Pell Grant award will not be eligible for Pell Grants.
  • Other gift aid limitations; students with grants and scholarships from all non-federal sources that equal or exceed the cost of attendance will not be eligible for Pell Grants.  

Exception for Current Students: Grandfathering Provision

Current Chamberlain students may qualify for a limited grandfathering provision that delays the start of the new Parent PLUS loan limits.

To qualify for this grandfathering provision, you must:

  • Enroll and begin courses on or before June 30, 2026.
  • Receive a Direct Loan disbursement on or before June 30, 2026, for your program. This includes Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS loans.

The grandfathering provision lasts until one of these events occurs:

  • Three academic years pass
  • The remaining normal program completion time passes
  • You stop being continuously enrolled 
Future Undergraduate Student
You are starting an undergraduate program on or after July 1, 2026.

What’s changing:

Reduced Annual Loan Amounts for Students Enrolled Less Than Full Time

If you enroll less than full time (12 credits per quarter or semester) over a full academic year, the annual amount of loans you qualify for will be reduced proportionally.  

For example: If you enroll in 9 credits each semester (75% of full-time enrollment), your annual amount will be reduced by 25%.  

What can you do? If you can, enroll full time to avoid any reduction in your loans. If you plan to enroll less than full time and need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Parent PLUS Loan Limits

Borrowers will have per-student annual and aggregate limits on their Parent PLUS loans.

Annual: $20,000 per year, per student

Aggregate: $65,000 per student

What can you do? If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Pell Grant Eligibility

The new legislation makes minor changes to the eligibility requirements for the Pell Grant.  These include:

  • Excluding some assets from family businesses and commercial fishing operations.
  • Including foreign income.
  • Creating a cap on Pell Grant eligibility; students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) twice the maximum Pell Grant award will not be eligible for Pell Grants.
  • Other gift aid limitations; students with grants and scholarships from all non-federal sources that equal or exceed the cost of attendance will not be eligible for Pell Grants.  
Current Graduate Student
You are currently enrolled in a graduate program (e.g., master’s degree, doctoral degree, graduate certificate) that starts prior to July 1, 2026.

New Loan Limits

The law makes major changes to loan limits for graduate students.

Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026.  Current borrowers who qualify under the grandfathering provision may receive Graduate PLUS loans as long as they continue to meet the applicable eligibility requirements. 

Type of ProgramAnnual LimitAggregate Limit
Graduate Programs$20,500$100,000

 

View additional loan limit information.

What can you do? If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Reduced Annual Loan Amounts for Students Enrolled Less Than Full Time

If you enroll less than full time over a full academic year, the annual amount of loans you qualify for will be reduced proportionally.  

For example: If you enroll in half the credits required for full-time enrollment, your annual loan amount will be reduced by half. Note that this change takes effect with the 2026–2027 award year and is not delayed for students eligible for the grandfathering provision.

What can you do? If you can, enroll full time to avoid any reduction in your loans. If you plan to enroll less than full time and need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Exception for Current Students: Grandfathering Provision

Current Chamberlain students may qualify for a limited grandfathering provision that delays the start of the new loan limits.

To qualify for this grandfathering provision, you must:

  • Enroll and begin courses on or before June 30, 2026.
  • Receive a Direct Loan disbursement on or before June 30, 2026, for your program. This includes Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS loans.
  • The grandfathering provision lasts until one of these events occurs:
  • Three academic years pass
  • The remaining normal program completion time passes
  • You stop being continuously enrolled 
Future Graduate Student
You are starting a graduate program (e.g., master’s degree, doctoral degree, graduate certificate) on or after July 1, 2026.

Federal Student Loans

New Loan Limits

The Graduate PLUS loan program is unavailable for new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. The Graduate loan limits are changing; see the new amounts below. 

Type of ProgramAnnual LimitAggregate Limit
Graduate Program$20,500$100,000

 

View additional loan limit information.  

What can you do? If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.

Reduced Annual Loan Amounts for Students Enrolled Less Than Full Time

If you enroll less than full time over a full academic year, the annual amount of loans you qualify for will be reduced proportionally.  

For example: If you enroll in half the credits required for full-time enrollment, your annual loan amount will be reduced by half.  

What can you do? If you can, enroll full time to avoid any reduction in your loans. If you plan to enroll less than full time and need additional funding, consider other financing options. 

Student Currently Borrowing Federal Student Loans

New Repayment Options

Once you graduate or stop enrolling, you’ll choose one of the following repayment options for your federal student loans.

Standard Repayment Plan

  • Fixed payments over 10–25 years (based on debt amount)
  • Pays off loans fastest
  • Lowest total interest

Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

  • Income-based payments (minimum $10/month)
  • Forgiveness after 30 years (360 payments)
  • Good for variable income or public service careers

Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan

  • Only available if you borrowed prior to July 1, 2026, and do not borrow after July 1, 2026
  • Payments capped at 10% of discretionary income
  • Forgiveness after 20 years  
Borrower Currently in Repayment

New Repayment Plans

If you are enrolled in any of the following repayment plans:

  • Standard repayment plan
  • Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan
  • Graduated repayment plan
  • Extended repayment plan

You can remain in the payment plan or change to the new standard plan or the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

If you are enrolled in these repayment plans:

  • Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plan
  • Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan
  • Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan

You will need to select a new repayment plan. Beginning July 1, 2026, you will only be able to enroll in the new standard plan, the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), or the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan.

Contact your loan servicer for specifics on your repayment plan options. 

Federal Loan Changes

What It Means for You

In the 2026-2027 academic year, new legislation will restructure federal financial aid. No matter where you are in your education journey, we’ll help you understand your options and find a path forward that works for you.  

For the latest information on the One Big Beautiful Bill, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

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Understanding Your Investment 

Each year, Chamberlain sets a Cost of Attendance (COA), which determines the maximum amount of federal and private financial aid you may be eligible to receive. Knowing the full picture helps you plan ahead and stay focused on your goals.

Your COA may include:

  • Tuition and mandatory fees
  • Books, supplies, and technology
  • Travel and personal expenses
See Cost of Attendance
Review your cost of attendance

Take a close look at your Cost of Attendance (COA). This helps you understand how much funding you may need. 

Understand your student loan options

If you’re a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, you may be able to receive federal financial aid to help you fund your education.1 Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify and includes federal loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Federal student loans generally offer:

  • Competitive fixed interest rates
  • Flexible repayment plans
  • Built-in protections (deferment, forbearance, income-driven repayment)
  • No credit check required (except Direct PLUS loans)

Private loans come from banks, credit unions, or online lenders and can help cover costs federal aid doesn’t cover.  

These types of loans may have:

  • Fixed or variable interest rates
  • Fewer borrower protections than federal loans
  • Credit requirements (often requiring a co-signer) 
Gather the information you need to apply

Before applying, collect the documents you need for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid® (FAFSA®) or private lenders. This can help you avoid delays.

For the FAFSA®, you may need:

  • Social Security number
  • Driver’s license
  • Federal tax returns and W-2 forms
  • Records of untaxed income
  • Parent financial information (if you're a dependent student)

For private lenders, you may need:

  • Proof of income
  • Employment verification
  • Co-signer information (if building credit) 
     
Apply for federal financial aid with the FAFSA®

If you plan on using financial aid, we recommend starting your FAFSA® as soon as possible. Submitting early gives you the best chance at maximum aid. Applications typically open October 1 each year.

Students starting their program in summer 2026, should complete both the 2025–2026 and the 2026-2027 FAFSA® online at StudentAid.gov. This generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

If you’ve already submitted your FAFSA®, check with your Enrollment Representative or contact Financial Services by phone at 1-877-260-9195 to confirm it has been received or review your FAFSA® application to confirm Chamberlain is listed as a recipient.  

Important deadlines to remember:

Federal deadline: June 30

State deadline (for state-based aid): Varies  

After you submit your FAFSA®, each school you applied to will send you a financial aid offer showing the federal loans and other aid you may qualify for.

Note: If you’re a new Chamberlain student, we encourage you to complete the FAFSA® when you apply for admission. If you’re continuing your studies, you’ll need to submit a renewal FAFSA® each year you’re enrolled.

For best results, complete your renewal FAFSA® when it becomes available in October—or at least eight weeks before your award year renewal date. 

Apply for private loans, if needed

Consider private loans after exploring all federal options. Private loans typically have fewer protections and may carry higher interest rates.

You should apply for private student loans about 60 to 90 days before your classes begin. This gives you time to compare lenders and rates.  

When comparing private lenders, look at:

  • Interest rates (fixed vs. variable)
  • Co-signer requirements
  • Repayment terms
  • Fees

If you’re approved for a private loan, the funds are sent to your school first. Any remaining amount is then refunded to you for other education-related expenses.

Smart borrowing tip: Only borrow what you need, not the maximum available. This helps keep your future payments manageable. 

Loan Application Process and When to Apply

Getting started with your student loans is a straightforward process, and we’re ready to guide you each step of the way.  

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We're Here to Support You

Sorting through your financing options doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Together, we'll find the funding solution that works best for your unique situation and goals. 

Questions? We’re Here to Help

For the latest information on the One Big Beautiful Bill, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Future Students: Request More Information

Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions

When do the new federal loan rules start?

Most of the new federal loan changes take effect for enrollment periods starting on or after July 1, 2026. Additional details will be provided once the Department of Education releases final rules.

What are the biggest changes students will notice?
  • Grad PLUS is being phased out for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026.
  • New annual and lifetime caps apply to Direct Loans for graduate, professional, and parent (PLUS) borrowers.
  • Repayment is being simplified to a Tiered Standard Plan and a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for post-2026 loans.  
Will Chamberlain’s tuition or fees change as a result of these loan limit reductions?

Tuition decisions are made independently of federal aid policy changes. Chamberlain continuously evaluates program costs with access, quality, and student outcomes in mind. We believe our programs offer a strong return on investment, especially given our flexible format, wraparound support, and focus on employment outcomes. 

How do I know what my current aggregate borrowing total is?

You can view your complete federal loan borrowing history, including your current aggregate total, by logging into your account at StudentAid.gov. Your loan servicer can also provide this information if you need additional assistance interpreting your balance.