The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key Changes to Higher Education Funding in 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, includes multiple provisions that affect higher education.

Key changes include new borrowing limits for students and parents under federal loan programs, streamlined student loan repayment plans, stricter rules on the ability of borrowers to pause student loan repayment, the promotion of workforce training programs, expanded qualified expenses for 529 plans, and an increased endowment tax on wealthy colleges and universities, among other items.

At Davis Capital Management, we help you navigate complex education and tax changes with strategies that protect your finances and support your family’s future. Here are five key moves to consider:

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We help you navigate complex education and tax changes with strategies that protect your finances and support your family’s future.

1. Understand the new borrowing limits

The law caps Parent PLUS Loans at $20,000 annually and eliminates the Grad PLUS program, replacing it with stricter Direct Loan limits.

Pro tip: Review your family’s borrowing strategy early—current students have grace periods, but new borrowers will face these limits soon.

2. Prepare for repayment plan changes

The SAVE, PAYE, and ICR plans are being phased out, with new Standard and Repayment Assistance Plans taking their place.

Don’t wait until the deadline—compare repayment options now to see which plan will keep your monthly budget most manageable.

3. Anticipate tighter pause rules

Hardship deferment and forbearance options are being limited, making it harder to stop payments in tough times.

Pro tip: Build a small emergency fund dedicated to student loan payments—this can prevent missed payments when unexpected expenses pop up.

4. Take advantage of expanded 529 uses

529 plans now cover more, including tutoring, educational therapies, and workforce training.

Pro tip: Think beyond college—these expanded uses can help your family plan smarter for a range of education expenses.

5. Watch how endowment tax changes may affect aid

Higher taxes on wealthy universities could impact how much financial aid they offer.

Pro tip: Don’t assume aid packages will stay the same—compare multiple schools and revisit financial aid offers as policies evolve.

You don’t have to navigate student loan changes alone.

Whether you’re planning for your child’s education or managing repayment yourself, we can help you build a strategy tailored to your family’s needs.

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