Federal loans
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program is the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program. The U.S. Department of Education acts as the loan lender and there are several available loan types for undergraduate students, graduate students, professional students and parents.
Direct Subsidized Loan
The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a federally-sponsored "need-based" loan available to undergraduate students only.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students, but is not based on financial need.
Direct PLUS (Parents)
Direct PLUS loans are made to parents of dependent undergraduate students and has specific eligibility requirements and is not based on financial need.
Direct PLUS (Grad)
Direct PLUS loans are made to graduate and professional school students and has specific eligibility requirements and is not based on financial need.