Learn more about recent changes to federal student financial aid programs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made significant changes to federal student financial aid programs.

The Ohio University Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships has created an OBBBA web resource to explain how the changes will impact prospective and current undergraduate and graduate students.

Many of the provisions take effect July 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year; however, because summer semester begins the financial aid year at OHIO, students enrolling for summer 2026 terms will be the first to be affected by OBBBA. 

Final guidance on implementation is expected from the U.S. Department of Education later this summer. Colleges and universities must then modify their financial aid systems to align with the guidance and perform testing, which may delay the disbursement of federal financial aid. 

OHIO will be flexible with students and families and provide options as we navigate the challenges of implementing this new legislation. OHIO will post details on the OBBBA website about the ways we can support summer students, including the process to request a Summer Aid Advance.