The University of California, Irvine reduced tuition for two business graduate programs after new federal graduate loan limits effectively constrained borrowing for many students. UC Irvine said it is lowering the Flex M.B.A. by $30,000 (23%) to $99,000 and cutting the Executive M.B.A. by $48,000 (28%) to just above the borrowing threshold for most students. The changes arrive as the federal government set a $20,500 annual loan cap for most graduate fields starting July 1, with higher limits for “professional” disciplines designated by departments. UC Irvine’s dean for the Paul Merage School of Business said the pricing strategy is intended to preserve access for communities in Southern California, while also requiring program tradeoffs. To offset the tuition reductions, the university said it is adjusting degree requirements—reducing the number of credits—and making certain elements optional, including international experiences intended to bring students into contact with business leaders abroad. UC Irvine also described curriculum updates, including adding artificial intelligence instruction. The decision signals a shift from cost increases toward price re-engineering at individual institutions as federal aid rules tighten. It also raises the likelihood of similar pricing changes if other programs face the same borrowing ceilings.