William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
General Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Minimum half-time enrollment (6 or more credit hours)
Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan:
This is a non-need based loan with interest starting to accrue upon disbursement. Student has option to postpone payment of interest which is then capitalized (added to principal balance).
The maximum amount of unsubsidized loans you can receive is up to $20,500 per year (depending on your financial aid eligibility).
Direct Graduate PLUS Loan:
This is a non-need based loan with interest accruing upon disbursement. Student has option to postpone payment of student loan in which interest is capitalized. Additionally, students will have to complete a credit check (“Apply for PLUS Loan”) to determine if the loan will be disbursed.
The maximum amount of the Graduate PLUS Loan a student can receive will vary based upon the amount of financial aid received from other sources. After financial aid is assessed, students will be awarded up to the total cost of attendance with aid from the Graduate PLUS Loan.
Continued Eligibility:
You must make satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving loans and financial aid. Please refer to the satisfactory academic progress policy for further information.
Interest and Fees:
Currently, Interest fixed at 6.08% for new federal direct unsubsidized student loan disbursements. Interest rates for Graduate PLUS Loans is fixed at 7.08%. Interest rates are subject to change ever July 1st of each fiscal year.
A loan origination fee of 1.062% of the principal amount charged for each federal direct unsubsidized loan that that is disbursed on or after 10/1/18 or before 10/1/19. Loans that are disbursed on or after 10/1/19 and before 10/1/20 will be charged a fee of 1.059%.
A loan origination fee of 4.248% of the principal amount charged for each Graduate PLUS Loan that that is disbursed on or after 10/1/18 or before 10/1/19. Loans that are disbursed on or after 10/1/19 and before 10/1/20 will be charged a fee of 4.236%.
Repayment:
Six months after you graduate or drop below half-time unless you have previously used your grace period. Standard repayment is ten years, however, students have options to stretch the loan payment terms out up to 25-30 years (if applicable).
For more information, please contact TJ Snowden, Director of Financial Aid, at financialaid@iwp.edu or 202-462-2101.