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Unsubsidized Loans
Students who complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be automatically reviewed for eligibility in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loans). Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender.
If you are a current federal loan borrower and have questions, log into Federal Student Aid to contact your loan servicer.
Federal Loan Types
- Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate students regardless of financial need. Students are responsible to pay the interest on Unsubsidized Loans, although interest can be deferred until after graduation. Any deferred interest is added to the principal, which makes the loan more expensive over time.
Direct Loan Interest Rates & Fees
How to Receive a Federal Direct Loan
First time loan borrowers need to complete the following items to be eligible to receive a Direct Loan:
Once you have completed this process, the MPN and Entrance Counseling should be valid for your career at USJ, up to 10 years. You must complete the FAFSA every year you wish to receive federal student loans.
Maximum Annual Loan Limits
Graduate Students
Students enrolled in a graduate program can borrow up to $20,500 each academic year in a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Students enrolling in professional programs* after July 1, 2026, can borrow up to $50,000 each academic year in a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
*Pharmacy is the only program confirmed eligible for professional loan limits. The University is monitoring the ongoing court hearing regarding the status of PA and DNP programs and will follow up impacted students accordingly.
New students who have not borrowed a loan in the program of study before July 1, 2026 are no longer eligible for the Grad PLUS Loan. Returning students who have exceeded their time to credential may also be impacted by this change.
Returning students who borrowed a loan in their program prior to July 1, 2026, remain continuously enrolled, and are within their time to credential can continue to receive Grad PLUS Loan funding (subject to credit approval) for the remainder of their program length.
Click here for more information about Federal Direct Loan eligibility after July 1, 2026.
Students who are ineligible to apply for the Grad PLUS Loan may use Alternative Student Loans to cover the remainder of their educational costs, including living expenses.