Changes to funding under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act raise alarm among arts students at MTSU and Simpson College
Category: Education
Students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Simpson College are voicing their frustrations over recent cuts to federal student loan funding, which took effect on July 1, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes particularly impact students enrolled in arts programs, raising concerns about their ability to finance their education.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces new limitations on federal student loans, particularly targeting certificate and degree programs whose graduates typically earn low incomes. This means that students in programs such as theatre, music, and art education may find it more difficult to secure the financial assistance they need. MTSU, which ranks fourth out of 30 schools for best art and design in Tennessee according to EduRank.org, is home to many students who could be affected by these changes.
Warren Quandt, a vocal performance major at MTSU, expressed his deep concerns about the future of his education and that of his peers. "I grew up in a low-income, single-parent household and my ability to come to MTSU was entirely dependent on the availability of financial aid through federal student loans," Quandt said. He noted that he relies on FAFSA and Pell Grants to pursue his higher education, stressing the importance of federal financial assistance for students in similar situations.
Jadyn Peters, another MTSU theatre major, echoed Quandt's sentiments, stating she was "disappointed in the administration, but not surprised." Peters highlighted the significance of the arts, stating that they provide a voice for perspectives often overlooked in daily life. "The arts tell so many things," she emphasized.
Logan Davis, also a theatre performance major, criticized the administration’s actions, saying, "My reaction to many things this administration does, quite honestly, is they do it for attention. These are people that really don’t care much about anything but the bottom line." He expressed sympathy for future students who might struggle to finance their education due to these new restrictions.
At Simpson College, similar concerns are surfacing. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects federal student loan amounts based on students' enrollment status. For students enrolled part-time, dropping below 12 credit hours could result in reduced federal direct loan amounts. Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Financial Aid, Tracie Pavon, indicated that this change could impact approximately 3% of students who drop classes.
Pavon noted that students should consult the Financial Aid Office before making any changes to their class schedules to understand how these adjustments could affect their loan eligibility. "If a student is in 12 credits right now and they withdraw from one of those classes, meaning they only complete nine, then we have to lower their spring disbursement," she explained.
Vice President of Enrollment Leigh Mlodzik supported Pavon’s assessment, emphasizing that most students would not see their loan eligibility impacted. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that families using PLUS loans or planning to borrow for graduate school should remain aware of these changes.
As these changes take shape, student loan borrower advocacy groups are calling for a pause on student loan payments instead of the $5,000 checks President Donald Trump recently promised if Republicans maintain control of Congress following the midterm elections. Advocacy organizations argue that a pause on payments would be a more effective use of government resources in light of the upheaval borrowers are currently facing.
Many borrowers are struggling with rapidly increasing payments and errors in loan servicing. Reports indicate that some borrowers have seen their monthly payments jump from $524 to $1,700, leading to heightened anxiety about their financial futures. "Payment going from $524 to $1,700, how are we supposed to absorb this?" one borrower lamented in an online forum.
The Student Debt Crisis Center has highlighted the urgent need for relief, stating, "The scale of the problems borrowers are facing has become even harder to ignore. Many borrowers are just trying to navigate confusing and constantly changing rules." They argue that the government should pause federal student loan payments and interest to provide immediate relief.
As the midterm elections approach, the political climate surrounding student loans is increasingly fraught. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to address the widespread issues impacting federal student loans, including the mismanagement reported by the Education Department. There are calls for emergency congressional hearings to investigate these concerns, particularly as nearly 10 million Americans have already fallen behind on their payments.
In the meantime, students at MTSU and Simpson College remain focused on their education, albeit with growing anxiety about their financial futures. The changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have left many students feeling uncertain about their ability to continue their studies without adequate financial support.
As these developments continue to evolve, students and advocacy groups are preparing to push for more favorable policies that will help alleviate the burdens placed on borrowers. The urgency of their concerns is underscored by the upcoming midterm elections, which could significantly impact the future of student loan policies.
With the stakes high, students like Quandt, Peters, and Davis are determined to make their voices heard, advocating for the importance of arts education and the need for accessible financial aid. As Quandt aptly put it, "Without those [federal loans], I would not be able to obtain a higher education." The future of many students hangs in the balance as they navigate these turbulent changes.