Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: How students are rethinking their paths in higher education

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, reshapes federal student loans by capping graduate borrowing, eliminating Grad PLUS loans, and altering repayment plans. A U.S. News survey shows over 60% of students expect personal impact, with many reconsidering degrees, course loads, or financing paths. Rising stress highlights the law’s sweeping effect on higher education.