The new loan limits have disrupted the financial plans of thousands of students, particularly those nearing graduation. Families who relied on federal loans to cover tuition and other expenses are now forced to explore private loans, which often lack the benefits of federal programs, such as potential loan forgiveness. Financial aid offices across the U.S. are overwhelmed with inquiries, and some students, like Kathryn Cook, face the possibility of taking a leave of absence due to insufficient funds. The changes have also created administrative challenges for colleges, further delaying loan disbursements and adding to the stress of affected students.