To receive federal aid for the summer term, you must have submitted the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled in at least 4 credit hours.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: If eligible, you'll be offered a Direct Unsubsidized loan. Summer is considered the last term of the academic year, so if you've already borrowed the full $20,500 in an Unsubsidized loan over the previous quarters/semesters of the academic year, you will be ineligible for any additional Unsubsidized loan funds in the summer. However, you may be eligible to borrow a Graduate PLUS or private loan to help finance the cost of the summer term.
Graduate PLUS Loans: If you borrowed a Grad PLUS loan previously in the academic year, you will be offered this loan again for the summer term. Once accepted, the Department of Education will perform a credit check before it can be guaranteed. You will need to pass this credit check or have a credit-worthy endorser to receive this loan.
If you have not previously borrowed a Grad PLUS loan, but borrowed a total of $20,500 in a Direct Unsubsidized loan for the 2024-25 academic year, you may apply for a Grad PLUS loan to help finance your summer courses. Apply online through StudentAid.gov. You will need to pass a credit check, or have a credit-worthy endorser, to receive this loan.
Private Education Loans: If you'll be enrolled in fewer than 4 credits, you can apply for a private education loan directly with the lender of your choice.
