The average American college graduate walks across the stage carrying not just a diploma but also nearly $40,000 in student loan debt, according to Education Data Initiative.
At Wayne State College, while the number is not nearly as large, students still carry a heavy burden when starting their careers. That’s why the Big Beautiful Bill, an act passed earlier this year that has a huge effect on federal taxes and federal student loans, has sparked conversations about what it could mean for the future of affordability.
According to Tax Foundation, the Big Beautiful Bill is a law signed into effect in July that reshapes federal laws, student loans, social programs and energy policy. It lengthens tax cuts, sets new limits on borrowing and repayment for students and makes big changes to federal spending and climate programs.
This bill was introduced under the Trump administration as part of its policy agenda. The Trump administration argued the bill would boost the economy by lowering taxes, and limiting excessive federal lending.
“I think a lot of it is to push a lot of what the Republicans had on their agenda,” Jenny Miller, associate professor of political science on campus, said. “A lot of people have pointed to pretty stark similarities between Project 2025 and what the bill contains.”
For students, the biggest impact from this bill is student loan borrowing and repaying. While this change may not affect undergraduate students, it does have a significant effect on graduate and professional graduate students.
“I think at the undergraduate level, it’s the least likely to affect students going to college,” Miller said. “But I think it will have a significant effect on graduate school and medical school.”
Beginning July 1, 2026, any new loans will now comply with these new limits. The grad school lifetime limit will be capped at $100,000, a decrease from the original $138,500 cap, according to Nebraska Public Radio. In addition to capping borrowing limits, the law also adjusts repayment structures by shortening some income-driven options and limiting access to federal forgiveness programs.
These changes are intended to reduce the government’s financial risk, but they also raise concerns about how students will pay for expensive programs such as law or medical school. The new limits may force greater dependence on private loans, which often have higher interest rates and fewer protections.
“I do not feel the Big Beautiful Bill will have a drastic impact on students at WSC in relation to student loan borrowing,” Britney Hart, director of financial aid, said. “Our cost at WSC is manageable enough that doesn’t require students to experience a high level of loan borrowing.”
For students weighing their options, the fear isn’t just about how to pay loans back, it’s whether they’ll be able to afford to go to college or not.
“We know that generally speaking the trend has been tuitions going up – well, tuition goes up and loans feel more intimidating,” Miller said. “I think that’s going to probably make people feel like it’s harder and harder to pursue a degree.”
While this bill will not affect undergraduate enrollment at WSC, we may see a decrease in enrollment in graduate programs. According to U.S. Department of Education, institutions could see significant graduate degree enrollment drops, as many students already borrow more than the new lifetime limits allow.
The financial aid office is not concerned about these loan changes and any negative effects on enrollment.
“Students may opt to start at a school where the cost is more manageable and then transfer to their professional schools to finish their degree, which could cause us to see an increase in enrollment,” Hart said.
To help students navigate concerns, WSC’s financial aid office continues to emphasize the college’s affordability while keeping students informed about borrowing changes.
“We are continuing to work to keep our students and families informed as much as possible,” Hart said. “We are using as many avenues as we can to get information out, so our students are in the know.”
For many WSC students, conversations about student loans are not just about policy, they’re personal. While the college is considered a very affordable option in the state, students still worry about how debt could shape their futures.
“I plan to go to medical school after I graduate, and the bill would make it harder for me,” said Mariah Hansen, a senior majoring in chemistry and health sciences, said. “By cutting loans, it limits my ability to afford tuition and living expenses during such a demanding program.”
Students like Hansen represent a growing concern that decisions about advanced education will be driven less by interest and more by financial feasibility.
“Medical school is already a huge financial commitment, and this bill would add even more stress to the process,” Hansen said. “Instead of focusing on my education, I’d have to worry about how to cover basic costs.”
Students like Hansen show how the Big Beautiful Bill creates new concerns about paying for school. WSC’s affordability means most undergraduates won’t see big changes, but the limits could make graduate and professional programs harder to afford.
Right now, WSC is working to keep tuition attainable and make students aware of their options. The bigger question is whether students will still be able to chase their dreams without money standing in the way.
