College finance leaders at NACUBO described an increasingly turbulent policy environment that has pushed many institutions into a more defensive operational posture. Speakers highlighted rapid regulatory movement and uncertainty around the final effects of federal changes—especially new limits on federal student lending. In panel discussions, American Council on Education President Ted Mitchell said colleges had to revise their policy priorities after the 2024 election. A key focus at the conference was the impact of new loan caps, including the sunset of Grad PLUS and lifetime caps on borrowing. Finance officials also described legal and implementation complexities, including how the Department of Education defines what constitutes a “professional” degree—because that distinction affects maximum graduate borrowing levels. The cumulative message: finance and legal teams are planning under constraints while tracking regulatory timelines that remain in legal limbo.