Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Description:
A loan funded by the U.S. Department of Education that is awarded by the UGA Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to eligible graduate and professional students whose total Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA) is less than their Cost of Attendance (COA).
The Department of Education defers repayment of the loan principal while the student is enrolled at least half-time, and for the first six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or enrolls in fewer than half-time hours.
The student is responsible for paying the interest on the outstanding principal during all periods, including times of approved deferred principal payments; however, the student can elect to capitalize the interest.
See Federal Direct Loan Interest Rates to view the Unsubsidized Loan interest rates.
See Federal Direct Loan Origination Fees to view the Unsubsidized Loan fee.
Process:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)process.
- The UGA Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) will include the loan amount for which the student is eligible on his or her Award on Athena which the student must then accept or decline.
- If a first-time borrower at UGA, or if otherwise required, the student must complete the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note applicable to Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans. See the "Graduate/Professional Students" section under Federal Direct Loan (FDL) Application Steps for more information.
Amounts:
- The Award Year Unsubsidized Loan amount cannot exceed applicable Annual Limits and when added to the student’s Estimated Financial Assistance cannot exceed his or her Cost of Attendance.
- Also see Graduate Assistantships and Financial Aid Impact.
- The minimum loan amount is $100 per semester.
Eligibility:
- Students must meet all Basic Student Eligibility criteria, and
- cannot have reached their Federal Unsubsidized Loan Aggregate Limit, and
- must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for that semester’s unsubsidized loan.