New Proposed Loan Limits

NOTE: The information on this page does not apply to current borrowers. If you already have a Grad PLUS loan issued before June 30, 2026, your current loan terms will remain in place until you complete your program. 

Beginning July 1, 2026, federal student loan policies will undergo a major shift. New loan "caps" will limit how much students can borrow to finance higher education. This change will significantly impact how prospective students plan and pay for law school. 

What Are Loan Limits?

Loan limits restrict the amount students can borrow through federal student loan programs. These changes are part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, designed to curb rising education costs and reduce long-term debt. 

New Proposed Federal Loan Limits (Effective July 1, 2026):
  Annual Loan Limit Aggregate Loan Limit
JD Degree $50,000 $200,000
  for professional students for professional students
     
LLM & MSL Degrees $20,500 $100,000
  for graduate students for graduate students
Repayment Changes 

The federal government is also introducing the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which ties monthly payments to income and family size. Standard repayment terms will range from 10 to 25 years, depending on total debt. This payment plan will only affect new loans issued after July 1, 2026.

What Does This Mean for Law Students?

student pulling book off shelfLaw students must now weigh tuition costs, long-term earning potential, and repayment options more carefully than ever. Choosing a school that offers both affordability and strong career outcomes will be key to staying within federal borrowing limits and achieving long-term financial stability. At Maryland Carey Law, we’ve built programs that meet these challenges head-on.

Why Choose Maryland Carey Law?

95%

of the Class of 2025 employed immediately after graduation

A Smart Investment for Law School 

We offer a powerful combination of value, opportunity, and mission-driven education.   

As a public law school, Maryland Carey Law offers significantly lower tuition costs compared to private institutions on the East Coast. This affordability is especially beneficial for residents of Maryland and Washington, D.C., who qualify for in-state tuition rates. These reduced costs help students stay within federal loan limits, making legal education more accessible and financially manageable. 

Located in Baltimore, the second-largest legal market in the country, students benefit from a wealth of professional opportunities. The school also supports pathways into public service, government, and nonprofit careers, which align well with income-driven repayment plans such as RAP. With lower borrowing needs, graduates enjoy improved debt-to-income ratios and greater long-term financial stability. 

Why Baltimore Is the Best City to Live and Learn?

Affordability

Baltimore ranks among the most affordable U.S. cities, especially compared to nearby urban centers like Washington D.C. and New York. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,084/month, less than half the cost in D.C.

Location & Accessibility

Centrally located with easy access to D.C., Philadelphia, and New York via train or car—perfect for internships, networking, or weekend getaways.

Culture

Vibrant arts & history scene, diverse cuisine, and several sports teams, Baltimore has it all.