The Direct Loan Program provides students and their parents with loans to help pay for both graduate and undergraduate studies. Direct loans are part of the Federal Student Aid program, which is the largest source of financial aid in the United States.
Under the Direct Loan Program, there are four specific types of loans available:
To apply for a Direct Loan, students fill out just one application: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Parents of students must complete a PLUS Loan application available from postsecondary institutions.
student loans, PLUS loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, grants, work study