The SORT — June 4: Colorado Cuts Private-College Aid
Colorado's legislature voted to cut $14 million in state aid for students at private colleges — and Grad PLUS loans close to new graduate borrowers in just 28 days.
Colorado Legislature Passes $14M Private-College Aid Cut
Colorado's House and Senate passed House Bill 1345, which includes a last-minute amendment barring the state from awarding need-based grants and work-study to students at private colleges for the 2026–27 school year. The cut would affect roughly 2,043 students at nine Colorado private institutions — including Regis University, the University of Denver, and Colorado Christian University — and eliminate about $14.1 million in state aid. The bill now heads to Gov. Jared Polis, who faces a June 12 deadline to sign or veto it.
Why it matters: Colorado students at private colleges should check with their financial aid office now; if signed, state grant and work-study funds disappear for the coming school year.
Source: 9News
Grad PLUS Loans Close to New Borrowers July 1 — 28 Days Away
Starting July 1, the federal Grad PLUS loan program will no longer accept new borrowers. Graduate students beginning a program after that date are capped at $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans ($100,000 lifetime aggregate); students in professional programs — law, medicine, dentistry — are capped at $50,000 per year ($200,000 aggregate). Current students who borrowed a Grad PLUS loan before July 1 can continue under a legacy provision for up to three more years or through their current program, whichever ends first.
Why it matters: Prospective grad students this fall should ask their financial aid office exactly what the new caps mean for covering their program's cost before signing an enrollment agreement.
Source: Saving for College
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