Financial Aid: Fall 2026

Tuition

Students needing financial aid support are encouraged to contact our office as early as possible. System processing can take time, so starting early helps ensure your aid is available when needed.

Trimester 1

The last date to pay Trimester 1 Tuition to avoid a late fee is September 15, 2026.

If you would like to receive loan money to cover your balance, please promptly contact the Office of Student Affairs & Admissions at saa@UND.edu or 701.777.4221 to discuss your options. You can view your student account balance in Campus Connection.

Trimester 2

• Class of 2030: Disbursement will begin Oct. 19, 2026
• Class of 2029: Disbursement will begin Oct. 19, 2026
• Class of 2028: Disbursement will begin Oct. 19, 2026
• Class of 2027: Disbursement will begin Oct. 12, 2026

Last date to pay Trimester 2 Tuition to avoid a late fee is Dec. 15, 2026.

Important Federal Student Loan Changes

1. Graduate PLUS Loan Program Eliminated
   As of July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS loan program has been discontinued. However, borrowers with a Federal Direct Loan disbursed before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in a credentialed program, can borrow from the GradPLUS Program for 3 academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less.
2. New Loan Limits Introduced

• • Annual Limits: $20,500/year for graduate students and $50,000/year for professional students
  • Aggregate Limits: $100,000 total for graduate students and $200,000 total for professional students
  • Lifetime Borrowing Cap: $257,500 for all federal loans combined (excluding Parent PLUS loans)

These limits take effect July 1, 2026. However, if you are a current borrower, you will be able to borrow under current rules for the remainder of your program.

3. Two Repayment Options for New Borrowers (Post-2026)
   Borrowers with new loans made on or after July 1, 2026, can be repaid using only two plans:

• • A new Standard Repayment Plan with fixed payments (10–25 year terms)
  • A new income-driven plan called RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)

Current borrowers with no new loans made on or after July 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll in the current Standard, Graduated, Extended, or Income-Based (IBR) repayment plans, and can also choose the new RAP.

Note: Borrowers on ICR, PAYE, or SAVE must transition to a new plan by July 1, 2028. If no selection is made, they will be automatically placed into RAP.

4. RAP Details

• • Minimum monthly payment: $10, based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and number of dependents.
  • For married borrowers filing separately, income and dependents will be calculated separately.
  • You can switch from RAP to the Standard plan at any time.

5. IBR Updates

• • Partial financial hardship is no longer required.
  • Loan forgiveness after 25 years of qualifying payments remains.

Additional Changes

• • Economic Hardship Deferment and Unemployment Deferment will be eliminated for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2027.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) will count time spent in medical or dental internships and residency programs.

We understand these changes may raise questions. More guidance is expected as the implementation date approaches, and we will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.

Scholarships

Scholarships have been awarded and students have been notified. Thank you cards will be available at our “Scholarship Thank You” signing event on Aug. 12 from 3 – 4:30 p.m. in SMHS room W203. Those unable to attend will receive thank you cards through the mail to their HOME address in Campus Connection shortly after the event.