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Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

A need-based, fixed-interest federal loan available to undergraduate students. The federal government subsidizes interest payments while students are in school. This means students are not charged interest on the loan until after they graduate, leave school, or fall below half-time status. The student is responsible for repayment and the length of repayment is typically 10 years. 

A fixed-interest federal loan available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Interest is charged from the time the loan has disbursed until it’s paid in full. The interest is capitalized, meaning that accrued interest is added to the principal of your loan upon which future interest is calculated. Students are responsible for repayment, which begins after the student graduates, leaves school, or falls below half-time status. Repayment terms are usually around 10 years. We encourage students to make interest payments on Unsubsidized loans while they are in school, if possible.

A fixed-interest federal loan available to parents and legal guardians of dependent students. Eligibility is determined by credit-worthiness and the parent is responsible for repayment. Interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it has been repaid. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed OR the parent may defer repayment while the student is enrolled more than half-time or until six months after graduation.

Note: Students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan gain eligibilty for an additional Unsubsidized loan. Financial Aid Services awards this loan automatically to students whose parents were denied and who selected on the application that they did not intend to further pursue the PLUS loan.

Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan

A fixed interest federal loan available to graduate/professional students. Students must complete a FAFSA in order to qualify. This loan is credit based and can require a co-maker. Interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it has been repaid. Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement or students can defer payments while they are enrolled at least half-time.  

Apply for a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan