Major changes are coming to the federal student loan system in 2026. This overhaul, which primarily stems from the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), will reshape how students borrow and pay back student loans. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, for new loans, but existing borrowers will have a more gradual transition period or retain access to some current options. Here's a closer look at how and when student loans will change and what you can do now to prepare. 1. N ...