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What’s Changing?
Beginning with the upcoming 2026-2027 aid year and beyond, federal rules require that Direct Student Loan amounts be tied directly to a student’s enrolled hours. This means students who are not enrolled full-time will receive reduced loan amounts, and students who withdraw from classes may have their loans recalculated mid-semester.
How Enrollment Affects Loan Amounts
If you’re enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours, your federal Direct Loan offer will be reduced based on your enrollment level.
If you’re enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours, your federal Direct Loan offer will also be reduced.
These reductions happen because federal regulations require loan amounts to match your level of enrollment. To be eligible for loans, you must be enrolled at least half time (6 credits Fall/Spring/Summer for Undergraduates, 5 credits Fall/Spring, 3 credits Summer for Graduates).
What Happens If You Drop Classes?
If you withdraw from classes during the semester, you may have your loans adjusted and may be required to immediately repay a portion of their federal loan funds based on your reduced enrollment level.
This can happen even if you were full-time at the start of the term.
What This Means for WSU Students
- Finalize your schedule early to avoid unexpected changes to your loan amounts.
- Talk with a financial aid advisor and your academic advisor before dropping a class.
- If you’re unsure how many hours you need to stay at your intended loan level, we can help you review your options.
Our office is here to help you understand how these changes affect your specific situation and what your options look like moving forward. Make an appointment through Navigate or at wichita.edu/finaidappt.