Federal changes to graduate & prof. student loan prog. on in-state students; SCHEV to study impact.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on what recommendations or solutions must be included in the report.

Study on Federal Student Loan Changes for In-State Students

This bill requires the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to study how recent federal changes to graduate and professional student loan programs affect in-state students at public institutions and private nonprofit institutions eligible for certain grants, and report their findings.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to evaluate the impact of revised federal borrowing limits on in-state students enrolled at public institutions and private nonprofit institutions eligible for certain grants.
• Includes evaluating the elimination of Grad PLUS loans and any related definitions that change how graduate and professional programs are classified for financial aid purposes.
• Requires the Council to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1, 2026.

Who It Names or Affects

• In-state students enrolled at public institutions of higher education in Virginia.
• In-state students attending private nonprofit institutions eligible for certain grants in Virginia.

Terms To Know

Grad PLUS loans

Federal student loans that graduate and professional students can take out to pay for school after using other financial aid options.

Tuition Assistance Grant Program

A program that provides grants to help cover tuition costs at private nonprofit institutions in Virginia.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia will consult with stakeholders.
• It is unclear what specific recommendations or solutions the report must include.

Official Summary Text

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; evaluation; impact of recent federal changes to graduate and professional student loan programs on in-state students; report.
Requires the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, with the assistance of an advisory group that it convenes, to evaluate the impact of revised federal borrowing limits, the elimination of federal Grad PLUS loans, and any related federal definitions that alter the classification of graduate and professional programs for student financial aid purposes on in-state students enrolled at public institutions of higher education and private nonprofit institutions eligible to participate in the Tuition Assistance Grant Program and report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than November 1, 2026. The bill contains an emergency clause.

Current Bill Text

HB 1310

SUBCOMMITTEE

1. Line 35, introduced, after
Council

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shall convene an advisory group

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may consult with relevant stakeholders

SUBCOMMITTEE

2. Line 35, introduced, after
evaluation.

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The advisory group shall

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Such stakeholders may

SUBCOMMITTEE

3. Line 47, introduced

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all of line 47