Federal Direct Student Loans are a type of financial aid that students must pay back. If you wish to take out a Direct Student Loan, it becomes a part of your financial aid offer. Students who wish to take out a Direct Student Loan must apply for financial aid, and complete their files by the deadline of the quarter they wish to start taking classes.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the following at www.studentaid.gov
Note: If you are a continuing student at BC, and previously applied for a student loan, you can skip this step, as this information should still be on file. You can verify this by logging into the BC Financial Aid Portal.
- The online loan counseling session
- Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Step 2: Complete the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Application
Submit the application to the Financial Aid Office.
Step 3: Register for the correct number of credits each quarter.
You must register for at least six (6) required degree credits each quarter in which you receive a loan.
Direct Student Loan Details
Loan Limits
| Student Level | Maximum Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) | Maximum Subsidized |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent | ||
| First year | $5,500 | $3,500 |
| Second year | $6,500 | $4,500 |
| Third or Fourth year** | $7,500 | $5,500 |
| Independent | ||
| First year | $9,500 | $3,500 |
| Second year | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Third or Fourth year** | $12,500 | $5,500 |
| **For students who pursue bachelor’s programs. | ||
Lifetime Limits
| Student Level & Dependency Status | Maximum Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) | Maximum Subsidized |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduate | $31,000 | $23,000 |
| Independent undergraduate | $57,500 | $23,000 |
Terms and Conditions
When you sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for your federal student loan, you’re certifying that you’ve read and agree to the terms of the MPN. Find out more details about borrowing a Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loan.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Federal Direct Student Loans you must ensure that you:
- are not currently in default on Stafford, Direct, or Perkins loan
- have not reached the maximum borrowing limits
- are not in repayment on a federal grant
Important Resources Related to Borrowing and Student Loans
- Time limitation on subsidized Direct Loan eligibility
- Understanding the difference between a Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loan
- National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for Students
- Loan Repayment Calculator
Last Updated August 22, 2022
