As the federal government phases out Grad PLUS and tightens borrowing caps effective July 1, states moved to fill graduate-student funding gaps. Minnesota launched the SELF Grad Loan program, a low-interest option designed for fixed rates that depend on co-signer status and selected repayment term rather than credit score. Minnesota’s program is explicitly framed as a response to federal changes that will reduce access to full cost-of-attendance borrowing. The state says institutions joined the program quickly, and it provides higher borrowing ceilings for advanced health and training programs—up to $300,000 for specified degrees. The launch also highlights the urgency of state-level aid readiness as enrollment rises and tuition increases collide with reduced federal eligibility. Connecticut previously created a similar loan program, making Minnesota the second state to act.