Student Loans Delayed, Students Stressed

Federal student loan disbursements were significantly delayed for numerous students over the summer session due to new federal rules that took effect on July 1, 2026. These regulations required major updates to college financial aid systems. Mikiah Roberson, a graduate student, experienced a six-week delay in receiving her $6,700 disbursement, leading to severe mental and emotional stress and concerns about eviction and repossessions.

Experts and advocates blame the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, 2025, for its atypical planning, which provided insufficient time for the Department of Education to issue full guidance. Colleges struggled to adapt, with some relying on manual calculations or waiting for software vendors. The Education Department stated they worked within the legislative deadlines, releasing final rules in May 2026.

Students faced a cascade of financial problems, including late rent payments and reliance on family support. One student at National University experienced a $5,000 disbursement delay, incurring late fees and financial strain. The master calendar process, typically allowing 1.5 years for rulemaking, was disrupted, causing colleges less time to prepare for the July 1, 2026, effective date.

Experts predict continued delays into the fall semester, affecting students' ability to remain enrolled and housed. While Roberson eventually received her summer funds, she remains anxious about future disbursements. The situation highlights a breakdown in the infrastructure supporting federal student aid delivery, with students caught in the middle of regulatory changes and implementation challenges.