Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) rather than a bank or other financial institution.

With Direct Loans, you

• Borrow directly from the federal government and have a single contact-the Direct Loan Servicing Center—for everything related to the repayment of your loans, even if you receive Direct Loans at different schools.
• Have online access to your Direct Loan account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Direct Loans on the Web at: www.dl.ed.gov.
• Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change.

Check with your school to see if it participates in the Direct Loan Program.

	Applying for Direct Loans A quick introduction to Direct Loans and how they fit into your award package.
	While you're in school How the school disburses (pays out) Direct Loans to you and your rights and responsibilities while you're in school.
	When you graduate or leave school The things you need to do when you graduate or stop attending at least half-time, including exit counseling and choosing a repayment plan.
	While you're in repayment Your rights and responsibilities while you're repaying your Direct Loans, including deferment and cancellation options.