CU Boulder participates in the Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan program (known as Direct or Stafford Loans). The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. You are automatically considered for a Direct Loan after submitting your FAFSA.

Loan Features

  • Students can borrow up to $20,500 in unsubsidized loans per year, if eligible.
  • Students must be enrolled at least half-time (3 credit hours) to be eligible for federal loans.
  • Interest begins to accrue on the loan as soon as it is disbursed.
  • Loan origination fee is 1.057%.
  • Unsubsidized
  • Repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, drop below half time or withdraw. Learn more about of your student loans at FederalStudentAid.gov.

Fixed Interest Rates

Date of First Disbursement Interest Rate
7/1/24 to 6/30/25 8.08%
7/1/23 to 6/30/24 7.05%
7/1/22 to 6/30/23 6.54%

Loan Limits

Graduate/Professional Students have an annual loan limit of $20,500 and a lifetime loan limit of $138,500.

How to Apply

  1. Complete
  2. Accept the loan online (view instructions)
  3. Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online at

Important Note: Loans must be processed by our office by the last day the student is enrolled in at least 3 credit hours. 

  1. Complete
  2. Accept the loan online (view instructions)