Federal Loans:
Subsidized & Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
These federal loans are for matriculated students who are enrolled at least half-time (six credits). They have a low fixed interest rate and repayment begins six months after the student graduates or falls below half-time enrollment.
The two types of Federal Stafford Loans are subsidized and unsubsidized.
Subsidized Loans
The U.S Department of Education pays the interest that accrues on the subsidized loans while the borrower is enrolled for at least six credits and during their grace period. In order to be eligible for the subsidized loan the student must show financial need.
Unsubsidized Loans
The unsubsidized version 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 an undergraduate student can borrow. The limits are annual and aggregate.
Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford loans made on or after July 1, 2025 will carry a fixed interest rate of 6.39%. Both types of loans have an origination fee of 1.057%.
Federal Stafford Loan Annual Limits
| Borrower’s Academic Level | Dependent Student(Subsidized + Unsubsidized = Total Amount) | Independent Student(Subsidized + Unsubsidized = Total Amount) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Undergraduate Student | $3,500 + $2,000 = $5,500 | $3,500 + $6,000 = $9,500 |
| Second-Year Undergraduate Student | $4,500 + $2,000 = $6,500 | $4,500 + $6,000 = $10,500 |
| Third-Year and Remaining Undergraduate Student | $5,500 + $2,000 = $7,500 | $5,500 + $7,000 = $12,500 |
Federal Stafford Loan Aggregate Limits
| Borrower’s Academic Level | Subsidized + Unsubsidized=Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Dependent Undergraduate Student | $23,000 + $8,000 = $31,000 |
| Independent Undergraduate Student | $23,000 + $34,500 = $57,500 |
More information about Federal Direct Subsidized & Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Important Federal Stafford Loan Websites
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 the requirements for the entrance counseling at SUNY Brockport.
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 the requirements for the exit counseling at the University.
National Student Load 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 U.S. 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 Web site, you will need to provide your FSA ID.
Federal Nursing Loan
The Federal Nursing Loan is a low-interest (5%) loan for matriculated junior and senior nursing majors with financial need. There is no origination fee on this loan and repayment begins nine months after the student graduates or falls below half-time enrollment.
Federal PLUS Loan (For Parents)
Federal PLUS loans are available to parents who wish to obtain a loan to assist their dependent undergraduate child with the cost of education. This loan has a fixed interest rate of 8.94% and an origination fee of 4.228% for loans made on or after July 1st, 2025. 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.
Borrowers may apply for deferment through their servicer to defer repayment until six months after the student graduates or falls below half-time enrollment. To request a deferment, please call the servicer of your Federal PLUS loan.
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
FSA Student Loan 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