Federal Loan Limits

Federal Direct Loans are available for students and parents, offering fixed interest rates and favorable repayment options. To be considered for federal loans, students must file a FAFSA and meet all other eligibility criteria. Interest rates and loan fees are set annually and are fixed for the life of the loan. Consult studentaid.gov for up-to-date interest and fee information.

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available to students who have demonstrated financial need. Payments begin six months after a student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The federal government pays the interest on these loans while the student is enrolled at least half-time and in the grace period following. Loan amounts are based on grade level and registered credits as determined by the Registrar.

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to students who have no demonstrated need or as a supplement to the subsidized loan. Minimum payments begin six months after a student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Unsubsidized loans begin to accrue interest from the time the loan is disbursed. Students have the option of deferring this interest or making “interest only” payments directly to their federal servicer while in school. Loan amounts are based on grade level and registered credits as determined by the Registrar.

  • Note: Students whose parents have been denied a Federal Parent PLUS loan may be eligible for an additional unsubsidized loan.

Dependent Students

Independent Students

Interest Rates and Fees for 2025-26

Note: All student and parent loans are originated through the federal government's Federal Direct Loan program.

Learn more about the Parent PLUS Loan

Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Undergraduate students attending Quinnipiac as a first-time borrower of federal loans are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling and the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) for their Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan before funds can be disbursed to the university.

Learn More About Entrance Counseling

Exit Counseling

Students are required to complete an online Exit Counseling session if they drop below half-time enrollment, graduate or leave school.

Learn More About Exit Counseling

Considering Your Loan Options

Students are strongly encouraged to exhaust all of their grant, scholarship and federal loan options before considering private loans due to the favorable terms and conditions offered through the federal programs. Traditionally, private loans require the student to obtain a credit-worthy cosigner in order to secure the loan. A credit score is used as a tool to determine eligibility, interest rate offerings, and terms of repayment for private loans.

The Office of Financial Aid does not recommend lender lists for students or parents inquiring about private educational loans, however, we do guide families toward an educational lending website provided by ELMSelect, a non-profit organization that provides a free, unbiased comparison tool for private educational loans. We also suggest that you pay attention to your home state’s loan programs, which can often provide favorable terms, conditions, fees and interest rates on student and parent loans. Visit ELMSelect

Learn more about loan options

Federal Loan Consolidation

Consolidating student or parent loans is similar to refinancing, which allows the borrower to combine his or her federal loans (not private loans) into one consolidated loan, usually extending the repayment period beyond the 10-year maximum. Depending on the loan amount, the new loan terms can go from 12–30 years. Although a borrower's minimum monthly payment can be significantly reduced, it is important to note that in most cases, this will result in additional interest being paid over the life of the loan.

Learn More About Consolidating Loans