Federal Direct Loans (FDL) are federal funds that a student borrows from the Department of Education and must be repaid. The FAFSA determines a student’s financial need, and therefore, what type of loan(s) a student is eligible for.

A student must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Federal Direct Loans:

  • Complete a FAFSA
  • Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units per semester in a program leading to a degree, certificate, and/or transfer
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Not be delinquent or in default on any previously borrowed Federal Student Loans
  • Not be in overpayment on any previously received Pell Grant
  • Not exceeding annual or aggregate loan limits from prior loan usage

Please Note: Students that have more than 120 attempted units are not eligible for Title IV aid, including Federal Direct Loans.

Depending on your financial need as determined by the FAFSA, there are two types of Federal Direct Loans you are eligible for:

  • Subsidized Loan: A need-based loan program in which the loan interest is subsidized (paid) by the Department of Education while a student is in school at least half-time or during periods of deferment 
  • Unsubsidized Loan: A non-need-based loan program in which the loan interest accrues (is charged) upon disbursement of the loan

A student may be eligible for both loan types or only the Unsubsidized Loan based on financial need. 

Continuing borrowers are students who have borrowed Federal Direct Loans from CCSF or any other institution.

2023-24 Direct Loan Requests are now available. When moving forward with submitting a Direct Loan Request, take the time to carefully review all steps in order to avoid delays. Additionally, when submitting a Direct Loan Request, evaluate your needs to borrow only what is essential as loans are borrowed funds you must pay back with interest!

Once a Direct Loan Request and all requested loan documents are received, the processing time is approximately 4-6 weeks. Furthermore, after CCSF releases your loan funds, you have 30 days to a request a cancellation of your loan.

To apply for a Federal Direct Loan as a Continuing Borrower, you must complete the following eligibility requirements to qualify:

  1. Complete and submit the 2023-24 FAFSA
  2. View the Workshops & Events Calendar to save the date and attend a CCSF Borrower Workshop
  3. Upon completion of the Borrower Workshop, attendees will receive via email the Loan Request Form. 
  4. Complete the Repaying Student Loan Module on WhichWay. If you are a new user to WhichWay, click Register Now and sign up using your CCSF Gmail or access code 1581.
  5. Complete an online Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Undergraduate Students. Please note Master Promissory Notes only have a validity of 10 years. 
  6. Submit an Educational Plan from a CCSF Counselor. For information on setting up an appointment with your counselor, please click this link. Educational plan must be comprehensive and on track according to courses enrolled. Student can download the educational plan via the ED Works portal on myRam. 
  7. Submit a Direct Loan Request Form with the following documentation attached:
    • Current Driver’s License or State ID (unexpired)
    • Confirmation page of Loan Entrance Counseling completion 
    • Confirmation of Master Promissory Note (MPN) completion

The school will determine what loan types and the actual loan amounts you are eligible to receive each academic year. However, there are limits on the amounts of subsidized and unsubsidized loans you can borrow each academic year called 'annual loan limits' and the total amounts you can borrow as an undergraduate called 'aggregate loan limits.'

Loan limits vary depending on: what year you are in school and whether you are a dependent or independent student.

** Please note, The Financial Aid Office may also limit an individual student's approved loan amount based on a number of factors: 

  • Cumulative Loan Debt
  • Rate of Academic Progress
Year Dependent Students Independent Students
1st Yr Annual Loan Limit $5,500 (no more than $3,500 may be in subsidized loans) $9,500 (no more than $3,500 may be in subsidized loans)
2nd Yr Annual Loan Limit $6,500 (no more than $4,500 may be in subsidized loans) $10,500 (no more than $4,500 may be in subsidized loans)
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Aggregate Loan Limit $31,000 (no more than $23,000 may be in subsidized loans) $57,500 for undergraduates (no more than $23,000 maybe in subsidized loans)

 

*Summer Loans are not automatically awarded*

If you have previously received a loan in the 23-24 Academic Year or completed a loan workshop, please contact our Loan Specialist, Felicia Grandison, via email at fgrandison@ccsf.edu. 

If you have not done either, please refer to the "Applying for a Federal Direct Loan" drop down above as you will need to complete steps from the beginning. 

Student Connections

Need help with your federal student loans?

Student Connections can help you stay on top of your student loans by helping you: 

HERE TO HELP. Questions about how COVID-19 & CARES Act impacts your student loans? Visit repaymyloans.org or talk to a student success counselor for free at (866) 311-9450. STUDENT CONNECTIONS
  • Understand your loan obligations and responsibilities
  • Establish an achievable and affordable repayment plan
  • Find repayment options during financial hardships
  • Connect with your loan servicer

Through the WhichWay Online Loan Repayment Module and connecting with a Student Connections Borrower Connect InTouch Counselor, you can prevent your loan from going into delinquent status or you can get your loan out of default status.