Key Changes to Federal Student Aid

2026–2027 Financial Aid Awarding Update

We know many students are waiting to see their financial aid awards for the 2026–2027 academic year. Thank you for your patience!

Due to late decisions and updates from the U.S. Department of Education, colleges are experiencing delays in receiving, reviewing, and processing financial aid information for the upcoming academic year.

  • What this means for our students: Financial aid awards for 2026–2027 are not yet available for all students. Our team is working as quickly as possible to review student records and prepare awards once all required information is available.
  • Tentative awarding date: We currently expect to begin awarding financial aid for the 2026–2027 academic year around the end of July. 

This may change if additional federal guidance or system updates are needed.

What students should do now:

  • Ensure you enroll in Applicable Courses for your program to maintain your financial aid eligibility.
  • Check your Student Center regularly.
  • Monitor your official Maricopa email.
  • Review your financial aid to-do list.
  • Submit any requested documents as soon as possible.

We understand that financial aid is important for planning your education. Our goal is to keep you informed and support you through this delay. Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, which made changes to Federal Student Aid. Institutions are awaiting official guidance from the Department of Education; however, below is a summary of how parts of this law may impact students at GateWay Community College beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year.

There are no changes to Federal Student Aid for the summer 2026 term.

The information shared on this page is currently evolving. Information on this page reflects the most current guidance available. Information may change as federal rules and guidelines are established. The U.S. Department of Education may issue additional updates.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year:

Students whose Student Aid Index (SAI) is equal to or exceeds twice the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount for the award year are not eligible for the grant, even if they otherwise meet the minimum Pell eligibility requirements. 

  • For example, if the maximum Pell award for 2026–27 is $7,395 and a student has an SAI index of 14,790 or higher, the student will not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

Students who receive non-federal grants or scholarships (such as state, institutional, or private aid) that equal the full Cost of Attendance are ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant. 

The foreign earned income exclusion amount reported on the FAFSA will be added to the adjusted gross income when determining Federal Pell Grant eligibility.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year:

Annual Loan Amount Proration for Less than Full-Time Enrollment: Students enrolled less than full-time must have their annual loan limit reduced proportionally.

Student Loan Repayment Options: Repayment options will be streamlined into two plans: a new tiered standard repayment plan and a new income-driven repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). 

Students must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours to be eligible for loan funds. Those enrolled less than full-time would only be eligible for a portion of the annual loan limit. Full-time status is defined as 12 or more semester credits per term.

Full-Time Enrollment Example: You are a student enrolled in 12 credits for the fall term and expect to also enroll in 12 credits for the spring term. At 12 credits each term, you are eligible for 100% of the annual loan limit of a subsidized loan of $3500 as a first-time, first-year student. This would be offered to you as $1750 for fall and $1750 for spring ($3500 for the year).

Part-Time Enrollment Example: You are a student enrolled in 6 credits for the fall term and expect to also enroll in 6 credits for the spring term. At 6 credits each term, you would be eligible for 50% of the annual subsidized loan limit of $3500 as a first-time, first-year student. This would be offered to you at $875 for fall and $875 for spring ($1,750 for the year).

Note: Students can also request additional unsubsidized loans, which will also be subject to the new annual loan proration rules.

Plan: Review your borrowing needs.

Budget carefully: Consider updated Loan limits when planning for future semesters.

Stay informed: Watch for official updates from the U.S. Department of Education.

For official updates, visit One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates.