u/Objective_Path9899

i currently already have 30k in only federal unsub/sub loans from undergrad. i’m starting a master of occupational therapy program this fall’26 in delaware. tuition will be in total for 2.5 years (fall’26-fall’28) roughly 82k. i will have 41k in federal direct unsubsidized loans to apply at 21,500 per year. i am off for the summer for my first year but not for the second summer and i also have an extra fall semester. Will these loans be managed to cover the entire program or do i get another set of federal loans because its a new year?

since i still have a remaining balance of 41k left considering the federal loans only cover 50% of my tuition now im stuck with how to fund the rest. grad plus loans are no longer an option. i intend on applying for scholarships but they all seem to have them for actively enrolled students which they will disperse in year 2. i know there are others however and i need to look into that. i will also take on a job and work as much as possible that doesn’t affect my studies.

regardless as of now i need to know how i will fund tuition AND cost of living which i project to be 2k in total a month for rent, car, food, etc. everybody says stay away from private loans but i fear i don’t have a choice given the current administration. i recently read on a thread to look into college ave and credit unions but i don’t see how this makes much of a diffrent comparative to a student private lender like sallie mae.

i also plan on utilizing an IDR plan and PSLF on my federal loans. please give me advice on how i should tackle this.

how are you guys affording graduate school? what private lenders are you using? how are you affording to pay for housing and food?

i’m beginning a masters of occupational therapy program at the end of august 2026. i’m so confused with all the changes going on with the department of education regarding loans for grad students. I cannot afford this program out of pocket. I thought if i could be accepted into the program (which i am) and request loans before july 1 that I could be okay somehow and redeem grad plus loans. I’m being told this may not be an option. Please help me understand what my options are. I’m attending delaware state university. When I called DSU they mentioned something called adjusted federal loans meaning they maybe can give me more money in ubsub/sub loans to cover the cost but i’m sure it won’t be enough. Thankfully this program should cost about 35k a year for only tuition which is cheaper than others