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/consulting 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/podcast_catergory/financial-literacy-and-grad-funding/ Support the podcast with a one-time or monthly donation: https://donate.stripe.com/bJedR8dGRcs6ewGdwq38401 Access transcripts and additional resources: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/ Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.