When should I apply for a loan?

A student loan is a serious legal and financial obligation — one that can affect you for many years after you have finished school. You should apply for a loan only after careful consideration of all other options for financing your education.Think of borrowing as your commitment to pursue your education through to a successful completion. If you interrupt your studies, you could face having to repay your loan without having attained the education you went into debt to obtain.

We recommend you follow this practical advice when doing your financial planning: Live like a student while you are in school so you don’t have to live like a student after you graduate.

The Direct Loan Borrower Rights & Responsibilities page will help you better understand what is expected of a loan borrower.

How do I apply for a Direct Loan?