Loans
Federal Stafford Loans
Federal Stafford Loans allow students to meet some of their cost of education by borrowing money from the Direct Stafford Loan Program at favorable rates. Students must apply for these funds each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Loan amounts are awarded based on the class level and cannot exceed the estimated cost of attendance for the school, including other aid (see the table below for class level eligibility). Funds are disbursed on a federally regulated disbursement schedule and applied to the student's educational costs. Disbursement amounts may be slightly lower than award amounts due to the 1.057% deduction for processing fees.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
An Unsubsidized Loan is not based on financial need. The student borrower of the unsubsidized loan is responsible for the interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Borrowers may choose to pay the interest as it accrues while enrolled or may defer the interest and allow it to accumulate. If interest is allowed to accumulate, it will be capitalized — that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and will increase the amount to be repaid. If interest is paid as it accumulates, repayment over time will be less.
- The interest rate is fixed at 8.07%.
- There is a 6-month grace period after graduation or if enrollment drops below half-time before repayment of the loan principal begins.
IMPORTANT NOTE — Before you can receive a Stafford Loan, you must complete both the Loan Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note online at FAFSA MPN
Medical Student Loan Limits by Class Level:
| Year | 2026-2027 Budget/Maximum Financial Aid * | Maximum Stafford Loan* | Maximum Direct Plus Loan/Private Student Loan* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First Year
|
$73,858 | $44,943 | $28,915 |
|
Second Year
|
$59,964 | $40,500 | $19,194 |
|
Third Year
|
$72,255 | $44,943 | $27,312 |
|
Fourth Year
|
$69,057 | $44,943 | $24,114 |
|
Aggregate Loan Limits
|
$224,000 |
*The Budget/Maximum Financial Aid amounts are estimates. The actual amounts are subject to change due to tuition changes. Actual loan amounts may vary due to other aid received.
Physician Assistant Loan Limits by Class Level:
| Year | 2026-2027 Budget/Maximum Financial Aid* | Maximum Stafford Loan* | Maximum Direct Plus Loan/Private Student Loan* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First Year
|
$76,510 | $30,750 | $43,734 |
|
Second Year
|
$76,510 | $30,750 | $43,734 |
|
3rd year (one semester)
|
$27,461 | $10,250 | $16,377 |
|
Aggregate Loan Limits
|
$138,500 |
*The Budget/Maximum Financial Aid amounts are estimates. The actual amounts are subject to change due to tuition changes. Actual loan amounts may vary due to other aid received.
Federal PLUS for Graduate Students
Graduate students now have the option to apply for a Direct PLUS loan to assist in covering their educational costs. The PLUS loan cannot be awarded beyond the institution's Estimated Cost of Attendance, but it can assist the student in meeting educational expenses if this cost is more than the total of any other aid awarded (grants, waivers, fellowships, veteran's benefits, tuition assistance and other loans). A credit check is required for PLUS loan pre-approval. The Direct PLUS loan may be a better option than a non-federal (private) educational loan, so be sure to check out all options before choosing to borrow through a non-federal (private) loan.
The Direct PLUS loan is a credit based loan and a separate application must be completed online at Grad PLUS Application If approved, borrowers must complete both the Direct PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling and the Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note online at FAFSA MPN
- Interest Rates and Fees: The interest rate on PLUS Loans first disbursed after July 1, 2026 or before July 1, 2027 is a fixed rate of 9.07%. The maximum PLUS loan fees are 4.228%.
- Questions: U.S. Department of Education Direct PLUS Loan Information , 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
Private Student Loans
Have you applied for Federal Student Aid?
Before considering private educational loans, it's important to apply for all other types of aid. Please complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal, state and institutional grants, federal work study, and low-interest federal loans, first.
As “Private/Alternative Loans” are funded by private lenders, they are not based on need and are available for students who are not eligible for federal financial aid and/or students who may need additional funds to meet educational expenses.
Loan Process
Applications and Eligibility requirements vary according to lender. Things to consider when selecting a lender:
The borrower/student:
- Must be degree-seeking (or admitted and enrolled into a degree program) student. ** Some lender requirements may differ
- Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). ** Some lender requirements may differ
- Must be enrolled at FSU.
- May be required to be a U.S citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen. ** Some lender requirements may differ
As we do not offer a “preferred lender list”, it is up to the student/parent to research for alternative loan lenders as interest rates and fees, deferments, and repayments vary by lender.
For more information on private student loans please visit our site Private Loans .
Notes
If your financial aid is equal to or greater than your estimated cost of attendance, you will not qualify for a PLUS or private loan, even if you are approved by a lender.