Preparing for OBBBA

With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3A), institutions will soon face another round of meaningful changes to federal financial aid policy.

While many of the details are still emerging, the timeline is clear: federal system changes to support the OB3A will go live on April 26, 2026 and institutions will need to implement significant adjustments to financial aid policies and procedures in advance of the July 1, 2026 effective date. The Department of Education is still in the negotiated rulemaking phase and final regulations may require additional last minute updates beyond what is shared in late April.

For financial aid offices, the implications extend well beyond how the regulations are interpreted. Changes to loan programs and aid administration will require that institutions revisit packaging approaches, update systems and workflows, communicate new policies to students and families, and ensure staff are fully prepared to guide students through the new landscape.

Financial aid leaders are already aware that these changes are coming. What is less clear — and still evolving — is exactly how institutions should prepare while federal guidance continues to develop. In many cases, teams are trying to anticipate operational needs while managing already heavy workloads and limited staffing capacity.

In moments like this, preparation often comes down to two things: clarity and capacity. Clarity about what the coming policy changes mean for aid strategy, compliance, and student communication. And capacity to implement those changes quickly once federal guidance becomes final.

Institutions are already beginning to consider questions such as:

• How will changes to federal loan programs affect packaging strategies?

• What operational adjustments will be required within financial aid systems and workflows?

• How should institutions communicate these changes clearly to students and families?

• How can financial aid teams manage the additional workload during implementation?

These are exactly the types of questions institutions will need to address in the coming months. And they are exactly the kinds of challenges that BPS is designed to solve.

Our team at BPS has spent decades working inside financial aid operations and enrollment leadership roles. We understand how quickly policy changes translate into operational demands for campus teams.

As institutions begin preparing for OB3A implementation, we are already working with partners to think through the potential impacts and identify practical steps that can help Admissions and Financial Aid offices prepare now.

If your institution is looking ahead to how these changes will affect your financial aid strategy or operations, we would welcome the opportunity to share perspectives and support you and your team.

Learn more about how BPS can be a resource for you by replying to this email or scheduling a conversation with Jeanne Locarnini, BPS Principal and Financial Aid Practice Area Lead.