*RUSM has a first-time residency attainment rate of 96%, calculated as the percent of students attaining a 2025-26 residency position out of graduates or expected graduates in 2024-25 who were active applicants in the 2025 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match. AUC’s first-time residency attainment rate for 2024-2025 graduates and expected graduates is 95%. SABA’s four-year residency placement rate of 97% is calculated as the percent of students attaining a residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 who were active applicants in the NRMP match or attained a residency outside the NRMP match. As of July 17, 2025, they have not published their 2025 rates. SGU’s US residency placement rate of 94% pertains to graduates over five years from 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 with the rate calculated as the total number of students/graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of students/graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of April 2025.
Understanding Upcoming Changes to Student Loans & Financial Aid
New federal legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3), introduces changes to student loans and financial aid starting July 1, 2026, beginning with the 2026–2027 award year. These changes* include new federal student loan limits, updated repayment options, and revised eligibility requirements that may affect both current and future students.
No matter where you are in your journey, Ross Med is committed to providing clear guidance and support at every step.
What You Need To Know
Quick Glance Changes
- Graduate PLUS loans will be phased out starting July 2026
- New borrowing limits will apply to students
- New repayment plan options will be introduced
- Our team is actively preparing resources and guidance
Our Commitment to You
We are actively building:
- Graduate PLUS loans will be phased out starting July 2026
- New borrowing limits will apply to students
- New repayment plan options will be introduced
- Our team is actively preparing resources and guidance
What You Should Do Now
- Stay informed through school communications
- Connect with financial aid if you have borrowing questions
- Plan ahead if your program extends beyond 2026
The information on this page reflects Ross Med current understanding of these changes, as of March 2026. This page will be updated as the U.S. Department of Education issues implementing regulations and guidance.
How Does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) Impact You
Select the options that apply to you to see how this new law will impact you, more than one situation may apply.
You are currently enrolled in the DVM program which is considered a professional program.
What Are The New Loan Limits?
Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026. Current borrowers eligible for the grandfathering provision can receive Graduate PLUS loans as long as they remain eligible for the grandfathering provision.
Effective July 1, 2026, a student has a limit on the annual and lifetime amount of federal loans they can access. The caps are different for graduate, professional and parent borrowers. Note, existing continuously enrolled students may retain access to current loan limits and rules.
| Borrower Type | Annual Limit | Aggregate Limit |
| Professional Students (e.g., medical, veterinary law) | $50,000 | $200,000 |
All Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans have a lifetime limit of $257,500 for all levels of enrollment, undergraduate, graduate and professional regardless of any loans that are repaid or forgiven.
What Can You Do?
If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.
Will there be an exception for current students through a grandfathering provision?
Most current students will qualify for a limited grandfathering provision that delays the start of the new loan limits.
To qualify for this grandfathering provision you must:
- Enroll and begin courses on or before June 30, 2026
- Receive a Direct Loan disbursement on or before June 30, 2026 for that program
- This includes Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS loans
The grandfathering provisions last until the first of these events occurs:
- Three academic years pass
- The remaining normal program completion time passes
- You stop being continuously enrolled
You are enrolled less than full time over a full academic year.
Is My Loan Amount Reduced?
If you enroll less than full time over a full academic year the annual amount of loans you qualify for will be reduced.
Example if you enroll in half the credits required for full-time enrollment, your annual loan amount will be reduced by half. Note that this change takes effect with the 2026/2027 award year and is not delayed for students eligible for grandfathering.
What Can You Do?
If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.
Will there be an exception for current students through a grandfathering provision?
Most current students will qualify for a limited grandfathering provision that delays the start of the new loan limits.
To qualify for this grandfathering provision you must:
- Enroll and begin courses on or before June 30, 2026
- Receive a Direct Loan disbursement on or before June 30, 2026 for that program
- This includes Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS loans
The grandfathering provisions last until the first of these events occurs:
- Three academic years pass
- The remaining normal program completion time passes
- You stop being continuously enrolled
What Are My New Repayment Options?
Once you graduate or stop enrolling, you’ll choose one of the following repayment options for your federal student loans.
Standard Repayment Plan
- Fixed payments over 10-25 years (based on debt amount)
- Pays off loans fastest, lowest total interest
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
- Income-based payments (minimum $10/month)
- Forgiveness after 30 years (360 payments)
- Good for variable income or public service careers
Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
- Only available if you borrowed prior to July 1, 2026, and do not borrow after July 1, 2026
- Payments capped at 10% of discretionary income
- Forgiveness after 20 years
Is My Repayment Plans Changing?
Yes, your repayment plans may be changing.
If you are enrolled in any of the repayment plans listed here:
- Standard repayment plan
- Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan
- Graduated repayment plan
- Extended repayment plan
You can 1) retain the payment plan, or 2) change to the new standard plan, or 3) enroll in the new Repayment Assistance Plan
If you are enrolled in these repayment plans:
- PAYE
- ICR
- SAVE
You will need to select a new repayment plan, beginning July 1, 2026. You will only be able to enroll in the new standard plan, the new repayment assistance plan or income-based Repayment (IBR).
Reach out to your loan servicer to explore the repayment options available to you.
Are Federal Student Loans Changing?
The Graduate PLUS loan program is unavailable for new borrowers beginning on July 1, 2026. The Professional Direct Unsubsidized loan limits are changing, see below for the new amounts.
Effective July 1, 2026, a student has a limit on the annual and lifetime amount of federal loans they can access. The caps are different for graduate, professional and parent borrowers. Note, existing continuously enrolled students may retain access to current loan limits and rules.
| Borrower Type | Annual Limit | Aggregate Limit |
| Professional Students (e.g., medical, veterinary law) | $50,000 | $200,000 |
All Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans have a lifetime limit of $257,500 for all levels of enrollment, undergraduate, graduate and professional regardless of any loans that are repaid or forgiven.
What Can You Do?
If you need additional funding, consider other financing options.
Take The Next Step
Request More Information
Request more information to learn what it's like to pursue your MD with Ross Med, including our curriculum, campus, island life, and more.
See Scholarships & Grants
Ross Med offers a variety of scholarships and a number of resources on how to earn a scholarship to med school, which can help aspiring physicians offset the cost of their medical education.
Start Your Application
Ready to apply to Ross University School of Medicine? There are two easy ways to start or complete your MD application.