Loans

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available to students regardless of the demonstration of eligibility for need-based aid.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are for parents of undergraduate students, and are available regardless of whether the family demonstrates eligibility for need-based aid.

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans are credit-based loans available to eligible law and graduate students enrolled in an eligible degree program on at least a half-time basis (six credit hours per term).

Alternative Loans

We strongly recommend that students take advantage of the Federal Direct Loan program before opting for alternative loans, which generally have higher interest rates and higher fees than federal loans.

Alternative loans are educational loans that are not based upon an assessment of financial need and that may be used to supplement any financial aid that you may be receiving. The maximum annual loan is the cost of attendance, as established by the Financial Aid Office, minus any financial aid that the student may receive.

These are credit-based loans and a poor credit history will prevent borrowing under these programs. Interest on these loans begins to accrue on the date of disbursement, and interest and principal payments begin after graduation, withdrawal from school, or enrollment at less than a half-time course load (six credits or 1.75 units).

There are many different alternative loan products on the market. You may use any lender of your choice for an alternative loan. These loans are not inexpensive and borrowing under these programs is recommended only after other sources of financial assistance are exhausted.

For more information on alternative loans, contact the Financial Aid Office.