Federal Loans
If your savings for your education and scholarship awards do not cover your education costs, you can borrow from the federal government, which offers various loan programs.
This page is intended for graduate students. Additional federal loan programs not listed here are available to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.
Eligibility
To qualify for federal student aid (loans and work-study funds), you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The basic requirements are that you must:
- demonstrate financial need for need-based aid.
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, including having a green card. Learn details about which immigration statuses are eligible.
- have a valid Social Security number (with some exceptions).
- be enrolled or accepted into an eligible degree or certificate program.
- maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- not be in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant
Additional eligibility requirements can apply in certain situations.
International students are encouraged to investigate the possibility of aid through their government or outside agencies. Learn more about scholarships at your school.
Loan Programs
Hopkins graduate students can utilize the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Direct Graduate Plus Loan Programs.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.
Who can get Direct Unsubsidized Loans?
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need.
How much can you borrow?
Hopkins determines the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive.
Who will pay the interest?
You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The federal government will charge you interest from the day the loan is disbursed until it is repaid in full. Interest will accrue during periods when you are not required to make payments—while you are enrolled in school, during a grace period, and during authorized periods of deferment. You may pay the interest during these periods or it can be capitalized; that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan.
What are the federal loan amount limits?
The annual maximum for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program for Graduate/Professional students is $20,500 per academic year. The aggregate/lifetime loan limit is $138,500, which includes loans received for undergraduate study.
Johns Hopkins University highly recommends that students only borrow the amount needed to pay tuition and fees.
PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.
Who can get grad PLUS loans?
Grad PLUS loans are available regardless of income or assets to
- graduate or professional students enrolled at least half-time and seeking a degree or certificate.
- borrowers who meet the eligibility requirements and pass a basic credit check.
What are the federal loan amount limits?
The maximum PLUS loan amount you can borrow is the cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance you receive.
After completing the FAFSA, first-time grad PLUS borrowers should complete:
- Grad PLUS Loan application
- Master Promissory Note for grad PLUS, a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education
- Entrance Counseling, if you haven’t already. This ensures you understand the terms and conditions of your loan and your rights and responsibilities.
After You’ve Borrowed Money
How Funds Are Delivered
Hopkins will first apply loan funds to your school account to pay for tuition, fees, and other charges. If any loan funds remain, JHU will distribute them to you to help pay other education expenses. Get more information about receiving aid.
Remaining Qualified
Know your requirements to retain your federal aid, including minimum credit hours.
Exit Counseling
Students who have borrowed federal loans must complete exit counseling when you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. The purpose of exit counseling is to ensure you understand your student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment.
Student Loan Repayment
Plan ahead and learn what your student loan repayment may look like.
If you have questions about or problems with in-school deferment of your loans, please submit a SEAM case: verify my enrollment or degree.
Additional Direct Loan Program Resources
- Financial Aid Glossary – provides clarification on confusing words and terms
- Direct Consolidation Loan – allows you to combine one or more federal education loans into a new loan to lower your monthly payment amount or gain access to federal forgiveness programs.
- Direct Loan Entrance Counseling – ensures you understand the terms and conditions of your loan and your rights and responsibilities.
- Direct Loan Exit Counseling – ensures you understand your student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment.