2026-2027 Financial Aid Updates

We know many students are waiting to see their financial aid awards for the 2026–2027 academic year. Thank you for your patience.

Due to late decisions and updates from the U.S. Department of Education, colleges are experiencing delays in receiving, reviewing, and processing financial aid information for the upcoming academic year.

What this means for our students: Financial aid awards for 2026–2027 are not yet available for all students. Our team is working as quickly as possible to review student records and prepare awards once all required information is available.

Tentative awarding date: We currently expect to begin awarding financial aid for the 2026–2027 academic year around the end of July*.

*This date is tentative and may change if additional federal guidance or system updates are needed.

What students should do now: Please continue to:

  • Enroll in your program's applicable courses
  • Check your Student Center regularly
  • Monitor your official Maricopa Email
  • Review your financial aid to-do list
  • Submit any requested documents as soon as possible

Glendale Community College is here to help: We understand that financial aid is important for planning your education. Our goal is to keep you informed and support you through this delay.

Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
 

Key Changes to Federal Student Aid

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, which made changes to Federal Student Aid. Institutions are awaiting official guidance from the Department of Education; however, below is a summary of how parts of this law may impact students at GCC beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year.

There are no changes to Federal Student Aid for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 terms.

Notice: The information shared on this page is currently evolving. Information on this page reflects the most current guidance available. Information may change as federal rules and guidelines are established. Additional updates may be issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year:

Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Updates

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) and other financial aid you receive can affect your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant.

You may not qualify for a Pell Grant if:

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is too high.

  • Students with an SAI equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant amount for the award year are not eligible for Pell Grant funding, even if they meet other Pell requirements.

Example: If the maximum Pell Grant for 2026-2027 is $7,395, students with an SAI of $14,790 or higher will not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

You are already receiving enough non-federal aid to cover your full Cost of Attendance.

  • If your state, college, or private scholarships/grants equal your full Cost of Attendance (COA), you will not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

You reported foreign earned income exclusion on your FAFSA.

  • If applicable, the foreign earned income exclusion reported on your FAFSA will be added back to your income when determining Pell Grant eligibility, which may affect your award.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year:

Annual Loan Amount Proration for Less than Full-Time Enrollment: Students enrolled less than full-time must have their annual loan limit reduced proportionally.

Student Loan Repayment Options: Repayment options will be streamlined into two plans: a new tiered standard repayment plan and a new income-driven repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

To receive federal student loans, you must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.

Your loan amount is also based on how many credits you take:

  • Full-time students (12 or more credits per semester) may qualify for the full annual loan amount.
  • Part-time students (6-11 credits per semester) may qualify for a reduced loan amount based on their enrollment.

Example: Full-Time Enrollment (12 credits each semester)

If you are a first-year student enrolled in 12 credits in fall and 12 credits in spring, you may qualify for the full $3,500 subsidized loan for the year:

  • $1,750 for fall
  • $1,750 for spring

Example: Part-Time Enrollment (6 credits each semester)

If you are a first-year student enrolled in 6 credits in fall and 6 credits in spring, you may qualify for half of the annual loan amount, or $1,750 total:

  • $875 for fall
  • $875 for spring

Important:

If you request additional unsubsidized loan funds, those amounts may also be reduced based on your enrollment level.

Important Reminder About Dropping Classes

Your loan eligibility is based on your actual enrollment each semester. If you drop a class or reduce your credits, your loan amount may be adjusted.

For example, if you receive a loan based on full-time enrollment but later drop below your original credit level in the fall semester, your spring loan amount may also be reduced to match your updated enrollment.

Dropping classes may also affect your financial aid eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Please contact the Financial Aid Office before making changes to your schedule.

Plan ahead: Review your borrowing needs.

Budget carefully: Consider updated Loan limits when planning for future semesters.

Stay informed: Watch for official updates from the U.S. Department of Education.

For official updates, visit One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates.