Story perspectives

New Loan Caps & SAVE Switch Spark Black Debt Concerns

7/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Education Department set new loan caps and required SAVE-plan borrowers to pick a new repayment plan after a court block.
From July 1, 2026, graduate loans rise to $20,500 ($100,000 lifetime) and professional-degree loans to $50,000 ($200,000 lifetime) after expanding eligible programs to about 29.
Critics warn the caps will push Black families to private loans, citing Meharry Medical College graduates’ median debt of $248,493—$50,000 above the new limit.

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Story summary

The U.S. Education Department set new loan caps and required SAVE-plan borrowers to pick a new repayment plan after a court block.
From July 1, 2026, graduate loans rise to $20,500 ($100,000 lifetime) and professional-degree loans to $50,000 ($200,000 lifetime) after expanding eligible programs to about 29.
Critics warn the caps will push Black families to private loans, citing Meharry Medical College graduates’ median debt of $248,493—$50,000 above the new limit.