Federal Direct Loans at UCI
Managing Your Federal Direct Loans
A college education is an investment in your future and student loans are a tool to help you finance it. A loan is money you and/or your parent can borrow and pay back with interest
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers Direct Loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. UCI offers several loan options, and it is important to be well informed of the terms and conditions prior to borrowing.
We encourage you and parents to use the Financial Awareness Counseling through the Department of Education to become aware of the responsibilities on borrowing. These are the three types of loans that can help you and your parents pay for your education.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs
Direct Subsidized Loans
Undergraduate students who have financial need
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students
Direct PLUS Loans
Graduate and professional degree students and parents of undergraduate students
Become an educated borrower.
Making wise financial decisions may affect your life for many years to come. It is very important that you understand the responsibilities that come with borrowing. To help you make that decision, we have put together a list of tools.
Student loans can also come from a variety of financial institutions. These are often called private or alternative student loans.
Direct Loans have many benefits that private/alternative loans don’t typically offer, such as:
- Low fixed interest rates Flexible repayment plans, some based on income
- Ability for cancellation, discharge, and forgiveness of loans under special circumstances
- Deferments, forbearance and postponement due to economic hardship.
- To learn more about the differences between Direct Loans and private loans, visit the U.S. Department of Education.
Basic Eligibility:
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen · Submit any additional documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships by the deadline
- You must file the FAFSA each year to continue to be eligible every year
- You must not be in default on a prior federal student loan or exceed annual and lifetime borrowing limits
Download the Federal Student Loans Basics for Students to learn more.
Contact
Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)
Need to chat with Financial Aid?
Hop on the QLESS to schedule a phone appointment.