Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans - Schedule of Reduction
All Direct Loans (undergraduate* and graduate) are subject to a schedule of reduction beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. Schedule of reductions is a pro-ration of loan eligibility based off of actual enrollment at the time of disbursement.
*Parent PLUS loans are not impacted by a schedule of reductions.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans (Undergraduate Only)
Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Interest is subsidized (paid) by the government while the student is in school and during the six-month grace period after the student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment status. Loans enter repayment at the end of the grace period.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (Undergraduate/Graduate)
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to all students regardless of income. Interest accrues from the date of disbursement, but the extra costs of accrual can be avoided by making regular interest payments while in school. Loans enter repayment six months after the student graduates or cease half-time enrollment.
Direct Loan Interest Rates and Origination Fees
Direct Loan Interest Rates | Direct Loan *Fees | |||
Academic Year | Subsidized | Unsubsidized - Undergraduate | Unsubsidized - Graduate | Effective October 1st of every year |
2026-2027 | 6.52% | 6.52% | 8.07% | 1.06% |
2025-2026 | 6.39% | 6.39% | 7.94% | 1.06% |
2024-2025 | 6.53% | 6.53% | 8.08% | 1.06% |
2023-2024 | 5.50% | 5.50% | 7.05% | 1.06% |
2022-2023 | 4.99% | 6.54% | 7.54% | 1.06% |
2021-2022 | 3.73% | 3.73% | 5.28% | 1.06% |
2020-2021 | 2.75% | 2.75% | 4.30% | 1.06% |
2019-2020 | 4.53% | 4.53% | 6.08% | 1.06% |
2018-2019 | 5.05% | 5.05% | 6.60% | 1.06% |
2017-2018 | 4.45% | 4.45% | 6.00% | 1.07% |
Direct Loan Borrower Annual and Lifetime Aggregate Loan Limits
Dependent Student - Direct Loan Annual and Lifetime Aggregate Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Year | Academic Credits Passed | Annual Subsidized Limit | Annual Unsubsidized Limit |
Freshman | 0-29 | $3,500 | $2,000 |
Sophomore | 30-59 | $4,500 | $2,000 |
Junior+ | 60+ | $5,500 | $2,000 |
Lifetime Limit | $31,000, of which, no more than $23,000 may be subsidized | ||
Independent Student - Direct Loan Annual and Lifetime Aggregate Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Year | Academic Credits Passed | Annual Subsidized Limit | Annual Unsubsidized Limit |
Freshman | 0-29 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
Sophomore | 30-59 | $4,500 | $6,000 |
Junior+ | 60+ | $5,500 | $7,000 |
Lifetime Limit | $57,500, of which, no more than $23,000 may be subsidized | ||
Graduate Student - Direct Loan Annual and Lifetime Aggregate Limits | |
|---|---|
Annual Unsubsidized Limit | $20,500 |
Lifetime Limit | Legacy students - $138,500, of which, no more than $57,500 may be from undergraduate Direct Loan limits Non-Legacy Graduate Students - $100,000 Graduate Unsubsidized (does not include Undergraduate) |
Average Loan Indebtedness for the Graduated Class of 2021*
Number of Borrowers | Percent of Graduating Class | Average Borrowed |
|---|---|---|
1,184 | 57.5% | $25,372 |
*Loans included: Federal Direct loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), consolidated Federal loans, and Federal Perkins loans. Private and Federal PLUS loans are not included in the average.
The graduated class is comprised of students who graduated with undergraduate degrees between Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021.
The method used to generate these statistics is based on the Common Data Set reporting process.
How to apply for a Direct Loan at UCCS
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete your financial aid file.
- Once you receive your notification of eligibility, sign into myUCCS Self Service to accept, reduce, or decline your loan(s).
- Complete Direct Loan entrance counseling.
- Complete a Master Promissory Note.
- Enroll in at least 6 credit hours for undergraduate students or 3 credit hours for graduate students.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Direct Loan Borrower Rights and Responsibilities
As a Direct Loan borrower, you are expected to understand your rights and responsibilities.