How the Federal Loan Application Process Works

Please review the Graduate Federal Financial Aid Information including interest rates, fees and consumer information for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

To apply for Federal Loan for the 2024-2025 academic year, please submit the following:

  1. The 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Dartmouth's school code is 002573.
  2. The Dartmouth College 2024-2025 Graduate Application must be completed and submitted to the Financial Aid Office. To utilize the fillable form feature, you may need to download the form first.

After receiving the necessary documents, the Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility for federal loan, and provide a financial aid offer letter that outlines your eligibility. You may be asked to complete additional requirements through studentaid.gov to accept the loans.

Your offer will include the maximum amount of loan that you are eligible for based on the standard Cost of Attendance. In most cases, a graduate student can borrow loan in any amount up to the Cost of Attendance minus any other aid.

Please contact our office if you wish to decline any loan or reduce the amount of loan being borrowed. 

Graduate Federal Financing Aid Programs

Federal Loan Limits

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan - $20,500 (limits higher for some health profession programs)
  • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan - Up to entire cost of attendance, less any other aid received (dependent on credit approval)