Federal Direct Loans may be borrowed to help cover the cost of education. Loans must be repaid, with interest.
To qualify for a Federal Direct Loan students must:
Half-time enrollment for graduate students is 3 credits.
Unsubsidized loans are available to graduate students regardless of whether they demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA.
The FASFA is the only application needed, there is no loan application or credit check.
Interest begins accruing after the loan disburses in full.
In other words, interest on a loan for the fall and spring semesters will start accruing after the spring portion has been applied to your account. Students have the option of making interest payments on unsubsidized loans while in school or deferring until the loan enters repayment.
Payments begin six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. This six month period is called the grace period.
Learn more about Federal Direct Student Loans.
The student will log into their MyLongwood portal to accept the Federal Direct Student Loan.
First-time student borrowers will need to visit the Federal Student Aid website and login with their FSA ID and
To start select Complete Aid Process – Complete Entrance Counseling – Start.
Graduate PLUS loans are credit-based, unsubsidized loans available to graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. The program is not related to the Parent PLUS Loan Program and parents may not apply.
Graduate students may apply for Graduate PLUS Loans in addition to Direct Graduate Unsubsidized Loans. Because interest rates are higher on Graduate PLUS Loans we recommend borrowing up to your annual limit of Direct Unsubsidized Loan first.
As with unsubsidized Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS Loan payments begin six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. This six month period is called the grace period.
Learn more about a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program and apply.
Graduate PLUS loan applications open June 1 for the following academic year.
Graduate PLUS loan applications open June 1st for the following academic year.
There are two available options for students if the Grad PLUS Loan is not approved.
The student has the option to obtain an endorser.
An endorser is someone who is willing to essentially co-sign the loan, and repay the loan if the borrower is unable to do so.
Add an endorser
If approved, the student will then need to complete a PLUS MPN (Master Promissory Note) and PLUS Credit Counseling.
The student may complete a credit appeal.
A credit appeal requires the student to submit documentation that explains and supports extenuating circumstances related to any adverse credit history.
Complete an appeal
If approved, the student will then need to complete a PLUS MPN (Master Promissory Note) and PLUS Credit Counseling.
The maximum Federal Direct Loan a student may borrow is based on his/her year in school and dependency status, as determined by the FAFSA. If you demonstrate financial need a portion of the totals for undergraduate students may be subsidized.
Year in School | Dependent Student | Independent Student |
---|---|---|
Graduate Student | N/A | $20,500 |
*Federal Direct Loans are subject to lifetime borrowing limits, typically referred to as “Aggregate Loan Limits”.
If the total loan amount you borrow over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans.
For information visit Aggregate Loan Limits.
Interest Rates for Direct Loans First Disbursed on or After July 1, 2024, and Before July 1, 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Loan Type | Borrower Type | Fixed Interest Rate |
Direct Unsubsidized Loans | Graduate or Professional | 8.08% |
Direct PLUS Loans | Parents and Graduate or Professional Students | 9.08% |
All interest rates shown in the chart above are fixed rates that will not change for the life of the loan.
Direct loans have loan fees that will be deducted prior to disbursement. The percentage varies depending on when the loan is first disbursed. Current loan fees can be found below. Loan fees are updated by the U.S. Department of Education on July 1st of each year.
Loan Fees for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans | |
---|---|
First Disbursement Date | Loan Fee |
On or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2023 | 1.057% |
On or after Oct. 1, 2019, and before Oct. 1, 2020 | 1.059% |
Loan Fees for Direct PLUS Loans (parent or graduate) | |
---|---|
First Disbursement Date | Loan Fee |
On or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2023 | 4.228% |
On or after Oct. 1, 2019, and before Oct. 1, 2020 | 4.236% |
Private loans, sometimes referred to as Alternative loans, are offered through private lending institutions. Students apply directly through the lender, and then the school certifies the loan based on the student’s enrollment, cost of attendance, and other aid.
Private loans are not associated with the Federal Direct Loan programs. They require credit checks and most often a co-borrower.
We strongly recommend you compare any private loan you apply for to Federal Direct Loans awarded from your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Interest rates, fees, terms & conditions, and the flexibility of each lending program may not be as favorable as a federally backed loan.
If you are interested in using a private/alternative loan, please review the following steps: