Recent policy changes and proposals from Washington, D.C., including new federal loan limits and accreditation reform, could influence the higher-education landscape. Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Government Affairs team has been tracking these developments closely, analyzing and working to mitigate any potential effects on students, faculty members and the University as a whole. Below is a roundup of the most important updates that happened over the summer.
Graduate borrowing rules change
Congress has introduced new lifetime borrowing limits for graduate students — $20,500 per year and $100,000 overall — starting next July 1. The good news? MSU Denver graduate programs remain affordable and stay under these new caps. Read the full story.
FY25 budget-reconciliation bill: what it means for higher ed
In early July, Congress passed the fiscal 2025 federal budget. While several of the most concerning proposals were removed, the law slightly narrows Pell Grant eligibility, creates “workforce Pell” for eligible short-term programs, caps federal Direct Loans for graduate students and eliminates federal-loan eligibility for undergraduate programs if at least half of graduates earn less than their state’s average high-school graduate. Read more here.
A special session of the Colorado state legislature will commence Thursday to address anticipated state-budget changes resulting from new federal law. The University will remain actively engaged in the session and share updates on any outcomes.
Dept. of Education aims to reduce financial-aid fraud
This summer, the U.S. Department of Education began piloting expanded identity verification for first-time filers of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to prevent fraud. A new, streamlined process is expected to roll out this fall to reduce the burden on universities. More details from the Early Bird.
Policies for undocumented and international students hold steady in Colorado
A recent federal executive order on immigration has raised questions about potential changes to higher-education policy, but Colorado’s laws remain unchanged. Under the state’s Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow legislation, eligible undocumented students can still access in-state tuition and state financial aid, and those benefits are expected to withstand any legal challenges. Details on the procedural changes.
Accreditation-reform executive order — no immediate impact for MSU Denver
An April executive order called for higher-education accreditation reform, but MSU Denver expects no disruption. The University’s accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission remains secure, and the next reaccreditation is scheduled for fall 2026. What might change in the future.
Stay informed
For the latest on how federal developments affect our campus and community, be sure to visit the Government Affairs updates page for the full picture.
