Columbia Financial Aid and Educational Financing

Federal Direct Loan

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Annual Loan LimitsDependent Undergraduate StudentsIndependent Undergraduate Students (and dependent students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS Loan)
First Year
Subsidized$3,500
Unsubsidized$2,000
Total$5,500
Subsidized$3,500
Unsubsidized$6,000
Total$9,500
Second Year
Subsidized$4,500
Unsubsidized$2,000
Total$6,500
Subsidized$4,500
Unsubsidized$6,000
Total$10,500
Third Year & Beyond
Subsidized$5,500
Unsubsidized$2,000
Total$7,500
Subsidized$5,500
Unsubsidized$7,000
Total$12,500

The actual loan amount you are eligible to receive each academic year may be less than the annual loan limit. Speak with an officer for individual borrowing eligibility.

  • Interest Rate = 4.53% for loans disbursed after July 1, 2019.
  • Origination Fee for loans disbursing before October 1, 2019 is 1.062% Calculate Fee
  • Students can estimate post-graduation monthly loan repayment using the Repayment Estimator

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA Application
  2. Complete Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note
    • Each of these items are valid for 10 years after completion and you should not have to complete them again for any new loan request.
  3. Complete a Federal Direct Loan application:

Summer loans will be processed on a rolling basis. If you have applied for institutional financial aid, we will process your loan after you have received a financial aid eligibility letter.

Related FAQs

What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans?

Interest for subsidized loans begins accruing after the six-month grace period (post-graduation or during a period of less-than-halftime enrollment longer than six months). If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact our office.

Unsubsidized Loans begin to accrue interest once the loan has disbursed to the student account.

Is there a way to increase my subsidized loan eligibility?

Subsidized Loan eligibility draws from the same pool of federal need as Federal Work Study. You may be able to reduce your Federal Work Study allotment in order to increase your Subsidized Loan amount.

See all FAQs