Federal Direct Loans

The Federal Direct Loans Program offers both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are awarded on the basis of financial need and the federal government pays interest on the loan until the borrower begins to pay and during periods of authorized deferment. Unsubsidized loans are not awarded on the basis of need and interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Unsubsidized loans may not exceed the family contribution or the cost of education, whichever is less, within the limits established by the Program.

For the Federal Direct Loans program, students should apply directly to the University. After the full Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is reviewed the University will inform students of their loan eligibility. Students must be enrolled in an academic load of at least six credits.

If students are dependent students who have not graduated or independent students who have not graduated, they can borrow up to:

$5,500.00 in a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans if they are first-year students enrolled in a program of study that is at least a full academic year in length. Up to $3,500 may be in subsidized loans.
$5,500.00 in a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans if they have completed their first year of study and the remainder of their program is at least a full academic year in length. Up to $3,500 may be in subsidized loans.
$7,500.00 in a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans a year if they have completed two years of study, and the remainder of their program is at least a full academic year in length. Up to $5,500 may be in subsidized loans.