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• Private education loans are offered by banks and other lenders, not the federal government. Interest rates, fees, cosigner requirements and repayment options vary by lender. º£½ÇÉçÇø does not recommend or endorse a particular private lender; you choose your lender and apply directly with them.
• Before applying, review your federal loan eligibility and compare the private loan’s total cost and repayment terms. If your lender or the college requests a document, check the Financial Aid Forms page, which includes a Private Loan Self Certification form.

There are two main types of federal student Direct Loans. Direct Subsidized Loans are for eligible undergraduate students with financial need; the federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half time and during certain other eligible periods. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need, and interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed.

You must be enrolled at least half time, generally 6 credits at º£½ÇÉçÇø, to receive a Direct Loan. Complete the , review your aid offer, and follow º£½ÇÉçÇø’s federal loan processing instructions if you decide to borrow.

Standard annual loan limits vary by year in school and dependency status. Your actual eligibility may be lower, particularly if you attend less than full time. Ask the Financial Aid Office to review the amount available to you before relying on a loan to cover your bill.

Beginning with loan periods on or after July 1, 2026, federal rules reduce annual Direct Loan limits for students enrolled less than full time. At º£½ÇÉçÇø, students taking 6–11 credits may still be eligible to borrow, but their loan limit will be reduced based on enrollment; 12 or more credits is full time.

This reduction also applies to eligible continuing borrowers who received a Direct Loan before July 1, 2026. If you add or drop classes, your loan eligibility or a future disbursement may change. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you are unsure what amount to expect.

• Can I still get a Direct Loan if I take 6 credits?
  Possibly. Six credits generally meets the half-time requirement at º£½ÇÉçÇø, but you must meet the other loan eligibility requirements. Your loan limit will be reduced if you attend less than full time.
• What if I change classes after my loan is awarded?
  A change in your enrollment may affect your loan eligibility or a future disbursement. Check your updated aid offer and contact Financial Aid before dropping a class if you’re relying on the loan to pay your bill.
• Do I need to apply separately because of the 2026–27 change?
  No separate application is needed for the reduced-limit rule. Continue to follow º£½ÇÉçÇø’s federal loan processing instructions.
• How will I know if my award changes?
  º£½ÇÉçÇø says it emails students when it updates a financial aid award. Review the revised amount in .
• Who can help?
  Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaidoffice@sunyacc.edu or 518-743-2223.