Federal Direct Loans
Eligible students seeking to borrow Federal Direct Loans must file a Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to Gonzaga University (school code 003778). Federal student loans for eligible students are used to help cover the cost of higher education and can be used for educational expenses beyond the direct costs of an institution. Most Gonzaga students borrow directly from the Department of Education under the Federal Direct Loan Program. Eligibility is not contingent upon financial need. For unsubsidized loans, the borrower is responsible for interest that accrues on the loan while in school.
The current annual limit for Federal Direct Loans is $20,500. Loans are typically disbursed at the beginning of fall and spring semester (there is not a summer disbursement). You can find more information about current disbursement, interest rates, fees, repayment and aggregate limits online.
Federal Graduate Plus Loan Program
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program allows graduate students to borrow long-term, low-interest funds to help meet education expenses. Students must show an absence of negative credit history to qualify for this loan. The maximum PLUS loan amount is calculated by subtracting the total aid awarded to the student from the cost of attendance (COA). To request the Federal Graduate PLUS loan, please visit and complete the application and promissory note at StudentAid.gov.
You can find more information about the PLUS loan rates, fees, requirements and repayment online.
Private (Alternative) Loans
Numerous financial institutions offer private educational loan programs to assist students with educational expenses. All private educational loan programs are based on creditworthiness and may require a credit-worthy cosigner for approval of loans. Be aware with the Private (Alternative) Loans that you cannot consolidate them with any of the federal loans. These loans also would not qualify for the public service forgiveness programs.
A Warning Regarding Direct-to-Consumer Loans
Lenders may offer a type of private educational loan that does not require school certification. Borrowing this type of private educational loan may have a serious negative impact on your existing financial aid package and could result in a reduction of your federal loan(s) and/or work study. Please contact the Financial Aid Office before borrowing one of these loans.
All borrowers must enroll in the Gonzaga University E-Refund program to receive loan refunds.