Already facing a student loan 'financial reckoning,' Trump's changes to graduate students loans could make Gen Z's diplomas a pricier gamble.

The article discusses the financial challenges young professionals face due to changes in federal student loan policies, particularly the phaseout of the Grad PLUS loan program, which has historically allowed graduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. Starting in summer 2026, new borrowing limits will be imposed, significantly reducing the amount graduate and professional students can access, which may hinder their ability to afford higher education. Advocates express concern that these changes will disproportionately affect low-income, first-generation students, potentially increasing reliance on private loans that come with higher costs and fewer protections. The article emphasizes the need for strategic planning by students and calls for institutions and policymakers to address the rising costs of education to ensure accessibility for all. [Extracted from the article]