Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan (domestic students only)
The terms of the need-based Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan Program require that the student borrower repay, with interest, this source of financial assistance. A student's eligibility for a "subsidized" or an "unsubsidized" loan is determined by the school based on information on the FAFSA and other aid received by the student.
If a student qualifies for a "subsidized" loan, the student is not charged interest while they are enrolled in school at least half-time and during any deferment periods. If a student qualifies for an "unsubsidized" loan, interest begins to accrue after disbursement of the loan funds; however, the student may choose to have the payment of the interest deferred during enrollment and later capitalized (added to principal) at the time of repayment. Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
Note: If you are interested in borrowing Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans as an undergraduate student for the 2026-2027 academic year, complete the form below.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan (domestic parents only)
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan provides a borrowing option for parents of dependent undergraduate students. Based upon a parent's credit history, a parent may borrow through this federally guaranteed, non-need-based loan program. Federal Direct PLUS Loan
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (domestic students only)
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan provides a borrowing option for Graduate/Professional students in excess of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Eligibility is limited to students who have previously borrowed a Federal Direct Loan for their academic program prior to July 1, 2026 at the University of Notre Dame. Subject to credit history, students may borrow through this federally guaranteed, non-need-based program. It is highly recommended that students exhaust all Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility before applying for a PLUS loan due to the Unsubsidized Loan's more favorable terms.
Private Loans
After exhausting the opportunities available from the federal aid programs, students may consider private loan programs as a source of funding.
The terms and conditions of these credit-based loan programs vary, and students are encouraged to review the details of the programs before selecting a private loan program. Private loans are not eligible for loan consolidation programs made available for federal student loans. Interest rates, fees (both at the time of borrowing and at repayment), credit checks, and annual and aggregate loan limits require careful evaluation by the student as a consumer. Private Loans
Taking on debt for any reason should be done deliberately and only for the amounts needed. Additional information is available from the Department of Education.