377: Graduate PLUS Loans Are Ending: What You Need to Know Before Accepting an Offer

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss one of the most significant recent changes to graduate education financing: the end of Graduate PLUS loans and what this means for prospective and current graduate students. Drawing from years of experience supporting first-generation and BIPOC students through graduate admissions and funding decisions, I explain how this policy change may affect master's, PhD, and professional degree students and why understanding the true cost of graduate school matters now more than ever.

I walk you through several funding scenarios, clarify common misconceptions about grad school loans, and share the questions every student should ask before accepting an offer of admission. Throughout the episode, I highlight the hidden curriculum of graduate school financing and offer practical strategies to help you make informed decisions about borrowing, funding gaps, and long-term financial planning.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans may affect master's, PhD, and professional degree students
• Why graduate student loans are typically unsubsidized and how interest accrual works
• How to calculate the full cost of attendance beyond tuition alone
• What funding gaps to identify before committing to a graduate program
• Which questions to ask financial aid offices about funding, loan disbursement, and support programs
• How to compare graduate school offers with greater financial clarity and confidence

Work with me

• If you're applying to graduate school and want support evaluating funding offers, understanding financial aid packages, or making informed admissions decisions, learn more about my graduate admissions consulting services at https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/consulting

Free resource

• Download your Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/kit/

Explore more

• Listen to more episodes on Financial Literacy and Grad Funding: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/financial-literacy-and-grad-funding/
• Support the podcast with a one-time or monthly donation: https://donate.stripe.com/bJedR8dGRcs6ewGdwq38401
• Access transcripts and additional resources: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/
• Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yessisanchez/
• This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.
• The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or other professional services.

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