Loan Application Recommended Deadlines

Students should submit loan applications by the following dates for their funds to post by the billing due date, and for their refunds to be available as early as possible. Students can still submit loan applications after the deadline, but the loan may not post to the student account by the due date.

Fall Semester: Second week in July

Spring Semester: Second week in November

Summer Semester: First week in June

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non–need-based guaranteed educational loans. The maximum amount in Unsubsidized Loans that a student may request in one academic or calendar year is $20,500 ($12,500 for postbaccalaureate students). The only two conditions that would preclude a student from eligibility for this loan would be (a) if a student has reached his or her maximum lifetime aggregate limit (currently $138,500), or (b) if a student is in default status for a previously awarded federal loan. Federal origination fees and interest rates are outlined in the tables below.

Interest Rate

Date of First Disbursement Interest Rate
On or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 7.05%
On or after July 1, 2022 and before July 1, 2023 6.54%

Origination Fee

Date of First Disbursement Origination Fee
On or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2024 1.057%

Learn more about Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, including repayment options.

Graduate PLUS Loan

Graduate PLUS Loan is a non-need, credit based loan similar to a private student loan with the benefit of having a fixed interest rate and federal guarantee. This loan allows master's and doctoral students to borrow up to the total cost of attendance (COA)* for their program--including tuition, room and board, supplies, lab expenses, and travel--less any other aid. Master's or doctoral students who are U.S. citizens or eligible permanent residents enrolled at least half-time (at least 6 credit hours per semester) in a degree program can be considered for Graduate PLUS loans.  Please see the tables below for information on interest rates and origination fees.

*NOTE: The total Cost of Attendance (COA) is determined by Brandeis and includes necessary expenses for a student enrolled in graduate school.  These are fixed costs (tuition and fees), estimates of living expenses, transportation, and health insurance (if purchased).  Each year this budget is revised due to changes in living expenses, books, supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.  Living expenses are based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics MODERATE cost of living for the Boston Area.  The university reserves the right to change its charges at any time. The maximum amount in loans a student can borrow cannot exceed this total Cost of Attendance, per federal regulations. 

Interest Rate

Date of First Disbursement Interest Rate
On or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 8.05%
On or after July 1, 2022 and before July 1, 2023 7.54%

Origination Fee

Date of First Disbursement Origination Fee
On or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2024 4.228%

Alternative Loans

Students may wish to borrow from other loan programs and are free to choose from the many private loans available.