U.S. Student Loans
Government loans for U.S. students
Students who are citizens or permanent residents of the US may apply for Direct Loans and PLUS Loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. This program includes Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized) and PLUS (parent) loans only. Students attending foreign schools are not eligible for grants from the US government. Students must be registered in a degree program. Students in online or correspondence programs are not eligible.
Please note: The following programs are not eligible for funding through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program:
- All nursing programs
- Doctor of Medicine
- Diploma programs
- Certificate programs or special student/qualifying non-degree programs
- Programs offered fully or partially through distance education
Important changes to U.S. federal student aid effective July 1, 2026
The U.S. Department of Education has implemented significant changes to federal student loan programs effective July 1, 2026.
These changes affect borrowing limits, Parent PLUS Loans, and Graduate Loans. Students and families should review the information on this page carefully when planning educational financing.
How these changes impact existing borrowers
Students who received a federal loan disbursement prior to July 1, 2026, for their current academic program may continue to borrow under previous federal loan rules for up to three academic years or until completion of that program, whichever occurs first, provided they remain continuously enrolled in the same program at Dalhousie University.
The U.S. Department of Education continues to release implementation guidance related to these changes. This webpage will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Direct Loans
Direct Loans are need-based (subsidized) and non-need based (unsubsidized) and are subject to annual limits. The maximum amount you can borrow each year depends on your grade level and on whether you are a dependent or independent student.
The loan calculation includes information from your FAFSA, information about other financial aid you are receiving and the cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses), which is set by the school. The loan calculation determines whether the base amount of the loan is subsidized or unsubsidized. The remainder of the Direct Loan is always unsubsidized. If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan, an additional unsubsidized amount may be borrowed.
Annual loan limits for dependent undergraduates
| Grade Level | Base Amount | Unsubsidized Loan |
TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | $3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
| Junior and Higher | $5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
| Grade Level | Additional Unsubsidized Loan if PLUS Denied |
Total if PLUS Denied |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | $4,000 | $9,500 |
| Sophomore | $4,000 | $10,500 |
| Junior and Higher | $5,000 | $12,500 |
Annual loan limits for independent undergraduates
Independent undergraduates may borrow the same base amounts as dependent undergraduates plus both amounts of the additional unsubsidized Stafford loan.
| Grade Level |
Base Amount |
Additional Unsubsidized Stafford |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
| Sophomore |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
| Junior and Higher |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
Federal direct loan limits
Undergraduate students
Dependent undergraduate students may borrow according to annual and aggregate limits established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Graduate students
Graduate students may borrow up to:
- Annual limit: USD $20,500
- Aggregate limit: USD $100,000
Professional students
Students enrolled in eligible professional programs may borrow up to:
- Annual limit: USD $50,000
- Aggregate limit: USD $200,000
Professional program eligibility is determined in accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance and may be subject to future updates.
How do I apply for a Direct Loan?
- Complete a FAFSA for the appropriate year. Dalhousie's federal code is G06838.
- E-sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
- E-mail awards@dal.ca to advise us if you want the full eligible amount of Direct Loans or just the subsidized amount and of any financial aid/scholarships you are receiving (excluding any Dalhousie awards). All funds and requests should be given in US dollars.
- Students who are first time borrowers of Direct Loans must complete Entrance Counselling.
How will I get the loan funds?
Funds will be disbursed electronically to your student account at Dalhousie. The first disbursement will be in mid-September provided Entrance Counselling has been completed by mid-August. The second disbursement of funds for all students will be made the mid-January. For Graduate Students, the third disbursements will be in mid- May. Once your tuition and fees are paid, any remaining funds are to be used for your book and living expenses. Student Accounts will contact you at your Dalhousie email address regarding funds to be sent to you.
First-time undergraduate borrowers receiving U.S. Direct Loans cannot receive their initial disbursement until at least 30 days after the start of their program, as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
PLUS loans
Graduate PLUS loans
Important change effective July 1, 2026
Graduate PLUS Loans are no longer available to new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
Students who received a Graduate PLUS Loan disbursement before July 1, 2026, may continue borrowing under previous federal loan rules for up to three academic years or until completion of their current academic program, whichever occurs first, provided they remain continuously enrolled in the same program.
Students who are not eligible under the existing borrowers' provisions may only borrow up to applicable Federal Direct Loan annual and aggregate limits.
Parent PLUS Loans
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for Parent PLUS Loans to assist with educational expenses.
Borrowing Limits Effective July 1, 2026
New Parent PLUS Loans are subject to the following limits:
- Annual limit: USD $20,000 per dependent student
- Aggregate limit: USD $65,000 per dependent student
Existing Borrowers Provisions
Parents who received a Parent PLUS Loan disbursement before July 1, 2026, for a student enrolled in their current program may continue borrowing under previous federal loan rules for up to three academic years or until the student completes that program, whichever occurs first, provided the student remains continuously enrolled in the same program.
How do I apply for a Parent PLUS or Graduate/Professional Loan?
Parents and Graduate/Professional (Law, Medicine, Dentistry) program students who wish to borrow funds through the Parent PLUS/Graduate program must complete 3 steps (4 steps for first time borrowers of the PLUS):
- Complete a FAFSA for the appropriate year. Dalhousie's federal code is G06838.
- E-sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
- Complete the appropriate loan application.
- E-mail awards@dal.ca to advise us how much Parent PLUS/Graduate loan you wish to borrow and of any financial aid/scholarships you are receiving. All funds and requests should be given in US dollars.
- Students who are first time borrowers of Parent PLUS/Graduate loans must complete Entrance Counselling.
How are PLUS Loans disbursed?
Funds from Parent PLUS/Graduate loans will be disbursed electronically in two disbursements to your Dalhousie student account. The first disbursement will be in mid-September (contingent on the Entrance Counselling being complete for Graduate Loans), the second mid-January. Three disbursements of Graduate loans for programs that the academic year covers three terms will be required. The third disbursement will be in mid-May. Refunds of Parent PLUS loans will be sent either to the parent or to the student according to instructions on the Plus loan application. Graduate refunds will be sent to the student.
Deadline to apply
All parts of the application process (FAFSA, completion of the MPN(s), and the email to be sent to us) should be completed by July 15 to ensure timely processing. Once all necessary steps have been completed, your award letter will be emailed to you. You will be asked to respond to the email confirming acceptance of the full award or part of the award. Please note that Dalhousie will continue to process Direct Loans up to one month prior to the end of the student's academic year.
Policies
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy [PDF - 138KB]
- Return to Title IV Funding Policy [PDF - 144KB]
- US Direct Loan Consumer Information [PDF - 237KB]
- Dalhousie Refund Schedule
Other US loan funding
- MELA - Maine Educational Loan Authority
- VSAC - Vermont Student Assistance Corp.
- RIHEAA - Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
- Sallie Mae Student Loans
Questions?
For mailing information or if you have further questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office or email: us.studentloans@dal.ca.
- Disclaimer
-
U.S. Federal Student Aid regulations are subject to change. While Dalhousie University strives to provide accurate and current information, students and families should also consult Federal Student Aid and the U.S. Department of Education for the most up-to-date program requirements and eligibility information.
This page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available.