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One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates and Information
What HGTC Students and Families Need to Know
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and makes . Most of these changes are expected to affect students beginning July 1, 2026, and will impact the 2026鈥�2027 FAFSA, federal grants, and student loan programs.
Because federal guidance is still evolving, some information may continue to change. HGTC is actively monitoring updates from the U.S. Department of Education and will update this page as additional guidance becomes available.
We understand that students and families may have questions. This is a nationwide transition, and HGTC is committed to helping you understand your options and plan for success.
Use the sections below to learn what鈥檚 changing, how it may affect you, and how to prepare.
FAFSA Changes
Family Farms and Small Businesses
Certain family farms, family-owned small businesses with 100 or fewer employees, and family-owned commercial fisheries will no longer be counted as assets on the FAFSA.
Foreign Income Reporting
Foreign income must now be included in the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for Pell Grant eligibility
What this means for you:
Some families may qualify for additional aid, and the FAFSA completion may become simpler for certain households. Individual eligibility will vary based on each family鈥檚 circumstance.
Pell Grant Changes
The legislation modifies certain Pell Grant eligibility requirements.
Students whose SAI exceeds twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will no longer qualify for Pell Grant funding. Additionally, students whose scholarships fully cover their cost of attendance will not be eligible to receive Pell Grant funds.
What this means for you:
Pell Grant eligibility may change depending on your family's financial information, calculated SAI, and other aid received. Students should complete the FAFSA annually to determine eligibility.
Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans (undergraduate) Changes
Federal student loan eligibility will now be tied to enrollment status. Students enrolled less than full-time will see reduced loan eligibility, and dropping or withdrawing from classes could impact loan amounts.
What this means for you:
- Your loan amount will depend on the number of credit hours you are taking
- Changes to your schedule will affect your aid eligibility
- Staying enrolled in your planned coursework and attending your classes can help avoid unexpected reductions in financial aid.
Parent PLUS Loan Changes
New Parent PLUS Loan limits will be:
- $20,000 per year per student
- $65,000 aggregate (lifetime) per student
What this means for families:
For many students at HGTC, Parent PLUS Loans may continue to provide support while completing a two-year associate degree; however, students planning to transfer through a Bridge or transfer pathways to a four-year institution should plan carefully and understand how future borrowing limits may affect their educational journey.
Repayment Options
- Students who borrow loans starting July 1, 2026 or later will have two main repayment options:
- Fixed-payment plan (10-25 years)
- Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) based on income
- Old borrowers on income-driven plans (SAVE, PAYE, ICR) end by July 1, 2028 and will be required to switch to the fixed-payment plan or Repayment Assistance Plan
What this means for you:
Loan repayment options will be simpler but more limited, so it is important to understand your choices before borrowing.
How Students Can Prepare
There are several steps students can take now:
- Complete the
All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA annually and monitor requests for additional documentation. HGTC's school code is 004925.
- Review Financial Aid Offer
Carefully review grants, scholarships, loans, and other aid offered through HGTC.
- Understand Your Enrollment Status
Because aid eligibility may be affected by enrollment, students should discuss schedules changes with Financial Aid before dropping or withdrawing from courses.
- Stay Informed
HGTC will continue updating students through official College communications and this webpage as new guidance becomes available.
- Need Assistance?
The Financial Aid Office is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about how these changes may affect your aid eligibility, enrollment plans, or future educational goals, contact HGTC Financial Aid for personalized assistance. HGTC understands that financial aid can be complex, and we're committed to helping students navigate these changes with confidence.
Phone: (843) 349-5251
Email: financialaid@hgtc.edu
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