Federal Loans
For many students and families, educational loans are a necessary part of the process of paying for college. Student Financial Aid certifies loans for students, as well as Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans for parents of undergraduates and Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans for graduate students. Read on to learn more about the different types of loan programs at Carnegie Mellon.
Types of Federal Loans
Federal Direct Student Loan
The Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are the most widely-used loans for college students and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. Unsubsidized Loans are available to certain undergraduate and graduate students and are not based on financial need. Eligibility is determined by completing the FAFSA. Learn more
Parent PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a financing option for parents of undergraduate students. It is a non-need-based loan by the Department of Education and is credit-based. Parents may apply for any amount up to the annual cost of attendance minus any aid. LEARN MORE
Grad PLUS Loan
Eligible graduate students may borrow a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan to assist with educational expenses. Students may borrow any amount up to their calculated cost of attendance minus any other aid received. Learn more
