Federal Direct Loans are available to matriculating students enrolled at least part-time, regardless of need. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and can not be in default on previous federal loans. Your annual loan amount is determined by your grade level.
Maximum Annual Loan Limits for Dependent Undergraduate Students
| Credits Completed | Maximum Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Total |
| 0-26 | $3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| 27-56 | $4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
| 57+ | $5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
If you have financial need—as determined by the FAFSA—a portion of your loan may be subsidized (the federal government pays the interest on the loan while you are enrolled and during your six-month grace period). If you have no financial need, your total annual Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility would be $5,500 as a first-year, $6,500 as a sophomore, and $7,500 as a junior or senior.
Maximum Annual Loan Limits for Independent Undergraduate Students
Or dependent undergraduate students whose parents are denied on the Federal Direct PLUS Loan
| Credits Completed | Maximum Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Total |
| 0-26 | $3,500 | $6,000 | $9,500 |
| 27-56 | $4,500 | $6,000 | $10,500 |
| 57+ | $5,500 | $7,000 | $12,500 |
Steps to Accept or Decline the Federal Direct Loan can be viewed below or here.
Accepting the Federal Direct Loan (Undergraduates only)
The direct loan is included as part of your financial aid offer but an active acceptance of the award is required
- First-Time Borrowers at Arcadia
- Accept via the Financial Aid Portal
- Complete Arcadia’s Direct Loan Request Form
- Complete Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note & Entrance Counseling
- Returning Borrowers
- Accept via the Financial Aid Portal
- Complete Arcadia’s Direct Loan Request Form
Declining the Federal Direct Loan (Undergraduates only)
You can decline the federal direct loan via the Financial Aid Portal
Maximum Annual Loan Limit for Graduate Students
Graduate students registered for at least six credits per semester may apply for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for up to $20,500 per year.
Direct Loan Features
- The student is the primary borrower.
- There is an origination fee. For the current Interest rate and fee, click on this link.
- Repayment is automatically deferred until six months after graduation, provided the student remains enrolled at least part-time.
- The standard repayment term is 10 years.
- You have the option of making quarterly payments on unsubsidized loan interest.
Application Steps
Students must complete the FAFSA and submit a request form every year they require a direct loan. For links to the FAFSA and forms, go to the Financial Aid Forms page and look under the “Graduate Students” heading.
