Minnesota launched SELF Grad Loan, a state-backed low-interest borrowing program designed to fill gaps created by federal changes that eliminate Grad PLUS loans and cap other federal graduate lending starting July 1. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education said the program responds directly to expected funding shortages and rising graduate borrowing demand. The plan offers fixed rates based on repayment term and whether the loan includes a co-signer, rather than credit score. For advanced programs including dentistry, medicine, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine, students may borrow up to $300,000 with no annual limit; other graduate degree and certificate programs allow up to $50,000 annually with a $150,000 cumulative cap. Minnesota also set minimum borrowing and in-school repayment requirements while students are enrolled. The state reported it had already onboarded 35 colleges and universities by Tuesday, and officials warned Minnesota may fall short of student aid demand for a third consecutive year without additional state funding. Connecticut became the first state to create a similar graduate loan program, setting a precedent that Minnesota is now expanding.