Interim Exception
If you meet certain requirements, you’ll have a period of time after July 1, 2026, and before the new limits apply during which you might be eligible for a Direct Loan under the pre-OBBBA limits. This is called the “interim exception.”
Effective July 1, 2026 this program is not available for new borrowers. This is a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Prior Borrowers: returning students who borrowed a Direct Loan in the past and are enrolled in the same academic program as last year may be eligible for “interim exception” AND may continue to borrow for up to three academic years OR for the remainder of the student’s program, whichever comes first.
For detailed information on applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan click here.
Disclaimer: While the U.S. Department of Education has not yet released final implementation guidance, the University of Rhode Island is monitoring federal updates closely and will revise this page as additional information becomes available. Details below are based on current rules and may change based on federal guidance.