Before You Borrow

Before making any borrowing decisions, you should:

• File your FAFSA; undergraduates must also file a CSS/PROFILE
  
• Tap your other resources
• Take Federal Direct Loans first!
• Pursue Federal Graduate PLUS loans next (if you are a graduate student).
• Ask for help from your parents.
• Shop around before borrowing an alternative (private) loan. 

Federal Loan Eligibility

To be considered eligible for a Federal loan, you must:

• Be matriculated and making academic progress in a program leading to a degree, certificate or diploma at Syracuse University.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Be enrolled for 6 or more credit hours per term
• Not be in default on any previous federal student loan or grant program.

Loan Disbursements

Loans are sent in two disbursements, half in the fall and half in the spring (no earlier than one week before the semester begins). If the loan is being borrowed for only one semester, the funds are disbursed in full at the beginning of the semester.

Many students receive a refund from their loan funds for living expenses. You may request a refund on MySlice under Student Services or by contacting the Bursar's office.

Come to campus prepared to buy books and have money for personal expenses because refunds may not be immediately available when you arrive on campus.

Application Deadlines

You must reapply for your loans by completing the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE each academic year. You may apply for a federal loan at any point throughout the term for which you want the loan, but you cannot borrow a federal loan for a term that has already ended.