Direct Federal Loan

Direct Federal Loans are low-interest loans available to eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank. Direct Federal Loans come in two types - Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Eligibility is determined by completion of the FAFSA and enrollment status (minimum of 6 credits each semester). 

For more information on Direct Federal Loans and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website here.

Direct Subsidized Loans are for undergraduate students with financial need. Students are not charged interest while enrolled in school at least half-time or during grace and deferment periods. 

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are for undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. Students are responsible for paying the interest that accumulates on the loan from the time it is first paid out. If you choose to defer your interest payments, the interest will capitalize on the principal balance of the loan and increase the total amount you have to repay.

Direct Loans have fixed interest rates that differ depending on the loan type and year borrowed.

In addition to interest, Direct Federal Loans are subject to an origination fee. This fee is deducted from each loan by the U.S. Department of Education before the funds are applied to a student's account.

Students receiving Direct Loans must complete an Entrance Counseling session, a tool to educate you on the terms and conditions of your loans, and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) acknowledging that you agree to these terms. These items can be completed at www.studentloans.gov.

Repayment of Direct Federal Loans begins six months after the student borrower graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time (6 credit) enrollment status. You can find more information on loan repayment here.

Annual and Aggregate Direct Federal Loan Limits    

There are limits on the loan amounts students are eligible to borrow each academic year (annual limit) and over a lifetime (aggregate limit). The actual amount that you can borrow depends on your year in school, whether you are a dependent or independent student, financial need, and enrollment status.