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/consu...




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/podca...


• Support the podcast with a one-time or monthly donation: https://donate.stripe.com/bJedR8dGRcs...


• Access transcripts and additional resources: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/


• Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez: / 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.




Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com (https://pcm.adswizz.com) for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.