William D. Ford Federal Loan Program
Important Federal Loan Updates:
On July 4, 2025, a federal reconciliation bill was signed into law that significantly changes federal student aid programs:
- The Graduate PLUS Loan program will be eliminated for new borrowers effective July 1, 2026. Students who borrowed Graduate PLUS Loans prior to that date may continue to access these loans under legacy provisions through the completion of their current academic program.
- Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, graduate students will be eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per year) and may need to pursue private loan options for additional funding
- Loan amounts will be proportionally reduced for students enrolled less-than full-time. Under this requirement, the actual loan amount would be calculated by first determining the student’s enrollment level as a percentage of a full-time course load, rounding this percentage to the nearest whole number, and then awarding that proportion of the standard full-time loan amount.
We are closely monitoring the implementation of this policy change and its impact on current and prospective students. This page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available. You can find more detailed information about the impacts of the new bill by visiting the NASFAA website.
Helpful links:
2025-2026 Unsubsidized Loan Terms
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan annual limit is $20,500 (split into 2 terms) per academic year. Interest accrual is not compounded or capitalized during periods of enrollment; the accrued interest is capitalized when you enter repayment.
- 7.94% fixed interest rate (on or after July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026)
- 1.057% loan origination fee upon disbursement
- 6 months grace period
- No credit check required
- No prepayment penalties
Note: Health Professional students in the MBA/MPH program are eligible to borrow up to $33,000.
2025-2026 Graduate Plus Loan Terms
Students may borrow up to the remaining Cost of Attendance per academic year through the Direct Graduate Plus Loan. Interest accrual is not compounded or capitalized during periods of enrollment; the accrued interest is capitalized when you enter repayment.
- 8.94% fixed interest rate (on or after July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026)
- 4.228% loan origination fee upon disbursement
- Credit check required
- No prepayment penalties
Note: Students with an adverse credit history must obtain an endorser or appeal the credit decision with the Department of Education.
- Student must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or Eligible Non-Citizen.
- Student must have a valid Social Security Number
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units) per semester
- Student must not be in default on a federal educational loan and not owe a refund on a federal grant
Step 1 – Create an FSA ID
Step 2 – File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our school code is 001312.
Step 3 – Once you have a UC CalNet ID and passphrase and have received your Financial Award Notification, accept your awards on CalCentral.
Step 4 – Complete Online Requirements
Step 5 – Sign up for Direct Deposit
- Federal Loans will be disbursed in two payments, 50% each semester
- Students must be enrolled in at least half-time (6 units) to receive a loan disbursement
- Loan disbursement will be credited towards student’s CalCentral account and pay any outstanding charges
- Any financial aid in excess of tuition and fees will generate a refund back to the student in the form of Direct Deposit or by paper check. All students are recommended to sign up for Direct Deposit to prevent disbursement delays.
Students are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for continued participation in the William D. Ford Federal Loan Program. A student will be placed on academic probation when the G.P.A. falls below the minimum requirement and may become ineligible for future scheduled private loan disbursements.
Additionally, students must successfully complete at least 67% of attempted units both cumulatively and in each term that they are enrolled, including terms in which a student withdraws. We encourage students who do not meet the guidelines noted above to contact our office for assistance.
IMPORTANT: Please contact the Haas Financial Aid Office immediately if you become aware of financial aid exceeding the Cost of Attendance. A loan return may need to be initiated if a student anticipates GSI Fee Remissions, Third Party Contract, and/or any additional Gift Aid that exceeds the Cost of Attendance.
For more information on federal loans, you can listen to Episode 3 of our podcast.