H.R. 6677 — Professional Degree Access Restoration Act

This section makes permanent the termination of authority to make interest-subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans to graduate and professional students and the associated increase in maximum annual Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan amounts to the amount available under 20 U.S.C. 1087-8 plus the prior subsidized amount (previously applicable to periods of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2012, and ending on or before June 30, 2026). (As background, Federal Direct Stafford Loans are subsidized, with the Department of Education paying interest during in-school, grace, and deferment periods; prior to July 1, 2012, graduate and professional students could receive them, but eligibility ended temporarily, with unsubsidized limits increased to compensate.) The section further strikes subparagraph (3)(C); strikes paragraph (4); strikes "and federal direct plus loans" from the paragraph (3) heading; redesignates paragraphs (5) through (8) as paragraphs (4) through (7); and makes conforming cross-reference changes in redesignated paragraph (7)(A). (Thus, after June 30, 2026, such students remain ineligible for subsidized Stafford Loans absent the exception for certain teacher certification or preparatory coursework.)