Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are offered by the federal government.
What are Federal Direct Loans?
Federal direct loans are low-interest loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help eligible students cover unmet need. These loans generally offer more flexible repayment options and lower interest rates than private educational loans. Federal direct loans have annual and aggregate (lifetime) limits set by the ED which may vary dependent upon when you start borrowing.
Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
Subsidized loans are available to eligible undergraduate students based on financial need. Unsubsidized loans are available to undergraduates and graduate/professional students.
Available to graduate/professional students. As of July 1, 2026, this program will be discontinued for new borrowers (anyone who hasn't borrowed an unsubsidized or Grad PLUS loan previously within the same program of study).
Available to the parents of undergraduate, dependent students.
Available to eligible undergraduate nursing students who have completed two years of study. These loans are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.