FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2026 · Dallas, Texas
Parker University Builds Individualized Paths to Graduation Amid Federal Financial Aid Changes
University completes outreach to all 186 chiropractic and graduate students identified as affected by new borrowing limits
Dallas, Texas, August 31, 2026 Parker University has taken a proactive approach and completed direct financial aid outreach to 100% of the 186 Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and graduate students identified as potentially affected by the end of the Federal Direct Grad PLUS loan program for the upcoming academic year.
Changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ended the Federal Direct Graduate Plus (GradPLUS) loan program for new borrowers as of July 1, 2026, and established new annual and lifetime federal borrowing limits for graduate and professional students. Although some continuing students qualify for a temporary exception, others may face reduced borrowing eligibility before completing their programs. Even the higher limits available to professional students may not cover the full cost of a multiyear clinical doctoral education.
Parker began preparing for the change in October 2025, forming a cross-institutional working group to evaluate the potential impact on students and coordinate the university’s response. After identifying affected students, Parker’s Enrollment Services contacted each of them directly. The team continues to meet individually with student to evaluate their circumstances and develop individualized plans for completing their programs.
“A university cannot eliminate the effects of a federal policy change, but it can ensure students do not have to navigate those changes alone. Our team is sitting down with each affected student to understand their circumstances and develop an individualized path toward graduation,” said Dr. Gery Hochanadel, Interim President of Parker University.
Depending on the student, those plans may include reviewing remaining federal eligibility, identifying scholarship or private financing opportunities, evaluating payment options, and considering reasonable ways to reduce the amount that must be financed. The goal is not to apply a single institutional solution, but to help each student understand the options available based on their particular circumstances.
“For some students, these new rules changed their federal borrowing eligibility while they were still completing their programs. Many are trying to understand the impact on their own, without realizing the full scope of the changes. Our responsibility is to make sure students understand what this means for them and that they have a path forward,” said Amy Hoss, Senior Director of Financial Aid at Parker University.
Parker is also extending this work beyond its own students. The university is publishing a series of plain-language explainers for graduate and professional health sciences students nationwide, covering what the new limits change, who they apply to, and what questions students should be asking their own financial aid offices. The series is available at parker.edu/blog/.
Students with questions about federal borrowing eligibility can contact Parker One Stop at [email protected].
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About Parker University
Founded in 1982, Parker University is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders through education, research, and service. Serving more than 2,300 students, Parker offers more than 25 accredited degree and certificate programs spanning chiropractic, health sciences, business, human performance, and other healthcare disciplines.
Parker’s flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program is home to one of the largest chiropractic cohorts in the world. The university also offers nationally recognized programs in Clinical Neuroscience, Strength and Human Performance, Functional Nutrition, Anatomy, Public Health, and more.
Parker University has been recognized among the Best Online Colleges in Texas by University Magazine, earned top rankings from EduMed and Forbes for several online graduate programs, and was designated an Opportunity College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classification for creating pathways to student success and strong career outcomes.
Learn more at www.parker.edu.
