William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

This federal loan is for matriculated students who are enrolled at least half-time (six credits). It has a low fixed interest rate and repayment begins six months after the student graduates or falls below half-time enrollment. The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not need based and interest does accrue during in-school periods. Apply yearly by filing the FAFSA by the University’s suggested deadline to ensure funds for the fall. No separate application is required. Limits exist as to how much Federal Stafford Loan a graduate student can borrow. The limits are annual and aggregate.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans made on or after July 1, 2025 will carry a fixed interest rate of 7.94%. These loans also have an origination fee of 1.057%.

Federal Stafford Loan Annual Limits

Borrower’s Academic Level	Independent Student Unsubsidized
Graduate or Professional Student	$20,500

Federal Stafford Loan Aggregate Limits

Borrower’s Academic Level	Total
Graduate or Professional Student	$138,500

For more information pertaining to the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan program, please view the plain language loan disclosure statement.

Important Federal Stafford Loan Websites

Master Promissory Note (MPN)

It is a requirement for students receiving the Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan to sign a MPN. A paper MPN is mailed to students. The quickest and easiest way is to complete the MPN online by using your FSA ID.

Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

Please follow the instructions on the Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling page to complete your required entrance counseling session. This session will provide information on the rights and responsibilities of taking out a loan, sample monthly repayment schedules, etc., and will satisfy our requirements for the entrance counseling at SUNY Brockport. As always, if you have any questions, please contact our office.

Exit Interview Counseling

Please follow the instructions on the Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling page to complete your required exit counseling session. This session will provide information pertaining to repayment options, loan forgiveness, cancellation, etc., and will satisfy our requirements for the exit counseling at the University. As always, if you have any questions, please contact our office.

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

The National Student Loan Data System receives data from schools and agencies that guaranty loans, the Federal Direct Loan program, the Federal Pell Grant program and other US Department of Education programs. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and Federal Grant programs which are tracked through their entire cycle, from aid approval through closure. All federal student loans will be submitted by the University to NSLDS and will be accessible by authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions. Note: To use the NSLDS Student Access Website, you will need to provide your FSA ID.

Federal Grad PLUS Loan

Federal PLUS loans are available to graduate students who wish to obtain a loan to assist with the cost of education. The loan approval is based on the borrower’s credit history. This loan has a fixed interest rate and repayment begins 60 days after the last disbursement date. Payment of this loan may be deferred by calling the servicer of the loan. Please note that PLUS loan applicants who are determined to have an adverse credit history, but who qualify for the loan by documenting extenuating circumstances or by obtaining an endorser will be required to complete a loan counseling tutorial on the US Department of Education’s website.

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans are private loans through various lenders to assist with the cost of education. These loans are not guaranteed student loans and are generally based on income and credit history. Most students would be required to have a cosigner to obtain one of these private loans. Individuals may only apply for up to the cost of education minus any financial aid received. Please review the borrower benefits, loan fees, interest rates, and repayment terms when comparing different loans. This information should be available on the web sites of the lenders. Once you have been approved for a loan, all required documents have been completed with the lender including the self certification form, and the certification request has been received by the Financial Aid Office, it may take up to 10-14 business days to process.

If you have any other questions pertaining to your alternative loan, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (585) 395-2501.

Please note that SUNY Brockport does not participate in any Preferred Lender Arrangement or use a Preferred Lender List. View our Student Loan Practices Code of Conduct.

The Ombudsman Group

If you are in dispute about your federal student loan and cannot resolve it through normal methods, the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Ombudsman Group contact information is listed below:

FSA Student Loan Ombudsman Group

Phone: (877) 557-2575
Fax: (202) 275-0549
Mail:
U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman Group
830 First Street, N.E.
Mail Stop 5144
Washington, DC 20202-5144