Federal Student and Parent Loans
The Department of Education’s major form of self-help aid includes loans to students and parents through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Direct Loans include Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Federal Parent-PLUS, Federal Grad-PLUS and Federal Consolidation Loans and are available through the U.S. Government.
Federal Direct
Federal Direct loans are loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students pay for direct (tuition and fees, books and supplies) and indirect (housing, food, transportation and personal expenses) educational related expenses. Direct Subsidized loans are based on need while Direct Unsubsidized loans are not. Loan repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or falls below half-time enrollment status. Direct loan interest rates are set annually through Congress. Annual and aggregate loan limits apply.
Federal Direct Graduate - PLUS
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Grad-PLUS loan may be available to graduate and professional degree students that began their current graduate program prior to July 1st, 2026. Direct loan interest rates are set annually through Congress.
These loans are not based on need but when combined with other resources, cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance. The student must complete the FAFSA and a credit check is required. Loan repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawing from school, or falling below half-time enrollment.
Federal Direct Parent - PLUS
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent -PLUS loan may be available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for direct (tuition, fees, books, and supplies) and indirect (housing, food, transportation and personal expenses) expenses. Direct loan interest rates are set annually through Congress. Direct Parent-PLUS annual and aggregate loan limits apply.
These loans are not based on need but when combined with other resources, cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance. A credit check on the parent borrower is required and either or both parents may borrow through this program. Loan repayment begins within 60 days of final disbursement of the loan within a loan period. However, parents may request a deferment of payments while the student is attending at least half time.