Fafsa Loans are the Loans U.S. Department of Education offers to eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
To apply for a federal student loan, first complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Based on the results of the FAFSA form, your college or career school will send you a financial aid offer, which may include a federal student loan(s). Your school will explain how to accept all, or a part of the aid offered.
How Financial Aid Works
Finding financial aid can seem overwhelming when you’re trying to get ready for college or career school. It doesn’t have to be! We’ll walk you through how financial aid works, resources to pay for college, and loan repayment options.
Start Planning Early
Develop your game plan to pay for college
Fill Out the FAFSA® Form
Apply for federal student aid
Review Your Aid Offer
Compare the aid each school is offering
Get Your Aid
Aid goes to your student account first
Repay Your Loans
Find an affordable repayment plan
Explore the Financial Aid Process
Understanding Student Loan Repayment
Learn about federal student loan repayment based on where you are in the process.
I’m Starting School or In School
- I’m in the process of earning a degree or certificate.
- Complete Entrance Counseling
- Financial Awareness Counseling
- Avoid TEACH Grant Conversion to Loan
- Estimate Your Payments
- Manage Your Account
I’m About to Graduate or Leave College
- I’m completing my program or taking a break from school.
- Complete Exit Counseling
- Start Making Loan Payments
- Update Your Contact Info
I Just Graduated or Left School
- I’m in my grace period and preparing to repay my loan.
- Find Your Loan Servicer
- Understand Grace Period
- Estimate Your Payments
- Choose a Repayment Plan
- Start Making Loan Payments
I’m in Repayment
- I’ve begun repaying my loan.
- Make Your Next Payment
- Choose a Repayment Plan
- Consolidate Your Loans
- Understand Loan Forgiveness
- Understand Student Loan Repayment
I’m Falling Behind and Need Help
- I’ve missed some payments and am having trouble keeping up.
- Lower Your Payment
- Get Temporary Relief
- Apply for Income-Driven Repayment
- Understand Delinquency and Default
- Learn About the Collections Process