Most students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may participate in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program. Loans are awarded after your eligibility for grants, scholarships, Federal Work-Study (FWS) and any other awarded aid is considered. Your financial aid package may include loans that are need based and/or non-need based financial aid. Federal loans will be offered for the maximum amount the student is eligible to receive based upon their grade level.

First-time loan borrowers will also need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. Your MPN is good for 10 years—a student does not need to complete the form each year. You may decrease or cancel your loan(s) by contacting the Financial Aid Office up to 14 days after the student receives the disbursement notification.

Once you have received a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, information will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), which is a federally managed site that allows you to view your loan history. You can view the total amount borrowed for all of your federal loans, your outstanding balances and the status of each of your loans. It is important to note that the data in this system is updated regularly and is accessible to guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users.

There are various types of federal loans available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. There are links below that are included in the U.S. Department of Education Federal Loan Program.