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Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions: Federal Direct Loans

Home / Financial Aid / How to Apply for Loans / Frequently Asked Questions: Federal Direct Loans
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What is the maximum Federal Direct Loan amount I can receive in one academic year? In my lifetime?

The MAXIMUM annual loan amount for a Federal Direct Loan is $20,500 ($12,500 for independent post-baccalaureate students; $5,500 for dependent post-baccalaureate students). Learn more about your dependency status. The MAXIMUM aggregate limit for Federal Direct Loans (including undergraduate borrowing) is $138,500 ($65,500 of which can be subsidized).

How do I calculate my Direct Loan eligibility?

Estimated cost of attendance
-(subtract) other financial assistance*
_____________________________

= your federal direct loan eligibility

*Other financial assistance may include scholarship and/or fellowships if applicable.

What is the interest rate on Federal Direct Loans?

Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2022 and before July 1, 2023 have a fixed interest rate of 6.54%. Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2021 and before July 1, 2022 will have a fixed interest rate of 5.28%. The interest is charged on the loan from the date the first disbursement is made until the loan is paid in full.

What fees are associated with Federal Direct Loans?

Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2023, have an origination fee of 1.057%. Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020 have a 1.059% federal origination fee. The origination fee is deducted proportionately each time a loan disbursement is made.

Do I have to apply for a Federal Direct Loan every academic year?

Yes, you have to apply every year. Federal Direct loans do not "renew" automatically.

I received notification that I have been approved for a Federal Direct Loan. Now what?

Complete your Entrance Counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note online through the Department of Education's Direct Loan Servicing website.

When does repayment begin for Federal Direct Loans?

Repayment begins six months after completion of the degree program or after dropping to less than half-time enrollment status (less than 6 credits per semester).

How are Federal Direct Loans credited to my account?

Federal Direct Loan funds are disbursed equally among semesters enrolled in the student's academic year. Loan funds are disbursed to the student's account. The earliest a student can receive a refund for loan funds in excess of tuition is 10 days before the start of the semester, per federal regulations.

When will my Federal Direct Loan be credited to my account?

Once you have confirmed your intention to enroll, the pending Federal Direct Loan will be posted as a credit to your student account as soon as your eligibility has been determined, generally two to three weeks after completing the application and providing all required documentation.

When can I get my money?

Students who have been awarded financial aid in excess of tuition, fees and other charges may apply for a refund to assist with the cost of off-campus living expenses and books, which are not charged to the student account. Refunds will be available no sooner than 10 days prior to the first day of classes. However, new students must meet several documentation requirements before they can receive a refund. If awarded Federal Direct Loans, students will be required to complete entrance counseling in addition to signing the Master Promissory Note before receiving a refund. In addition, students must have registered for classes.

Students should plan to bring enough personal funds to cover all living expenses for at least one month until all necessary registration and loan paperwork has been completed.

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Contact gsasfinaid@brandeis.edu. 

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Bernstein-Marcus, MS 031
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781-736-3410
gsas@brandeis.edu

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