The University of Pittsburgh participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program exclusively for the Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized and Federal Graduate PLUS Loans. More information concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program can be found at StudentAid.gov. Below are procedures for both new and continuing student loan borrowers.
Securing the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan For New Borrowers
A new borrower is a student who has not borrowed and received funds from the Direct Unsubsidized Loan after the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov with the University of Pittsburgh's school code, 008815.
- Log into your account at StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
- Click "Complete Aid Process."
- Click "Complete Entrance Counseling" and follow the directions for completing the counseling for a graduate/professional student. When choosing the school, select the University of Pittsburgh.
- After completing the Entrance Counseling, click "Complete Master Promissory Note" and select Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN. When choosing the school, select the University of Pittsburgh.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law will automatically process the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for the full academic term for the maximum eligible amount. Log in to your my.pitt.edu portal to accept, reduce, or decline your unsubsidized loan.
Securing the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for New Borrowers
A new Graduate PLUS Loan borrower has not borrowed or received funds from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program after the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Complete all the steps required to secure the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- Log into your account at StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
- Click "Apply for Aid" and choose "Apply for Grad PLUS loan." Follow the steps to complete the application.
- The Department of Education will immediately provide the results of the credit check. This credit check is valid for 90 days.
- If credit is approved, you will be given instructions for completing the Master Promissory Note.
- If you are denied credit, you have the option to appeal the decision or obtain an endorser.
- The school will receive notification of your approved application weekly. Please check your financial aid record via my.pitt.edu to verify that your Graduate PLUS loan has been processed within 5-7 days of the initial application.
Securing the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan For Continuing Borrowers
A continuing borrower is a student who has borrowed and received funds from the Direct Unsubsidized Loan after the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov with the University of Pittsburgh's school code, 008815.
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Law will automatically process the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for you for the full academic term for the maximum eligible amount. Log in to your my.pitt.edu portal to accept, reduce, or decline your unsubsidized loan.
Securing the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for Continuing Borrowers
A continuing Graduate PLUS Loan borrower has borrowed or received funds from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program after the 2010-2011 academic year without needing a co-signer. If you borrowed the Graduate PLUS Loan after the 2010-2011 academic year with a co-signer, please follow the procedure for a NEW Graduate PLUS Loan borrower.
- Complete the steps required to secure the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- Log into your account at StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
- Click "Apply for Aid" and choose the "Apply for Grad PLUS loan" option. Follow the steps to complete the application.
- The Department of Education will immediately provide the results of the credit check. This credit check is valid for 90 days.
- If credit is approved, you will be given instructions for completing the Master Promissory Note if needed.
- If you are denied credit, you have the option to appeal the decision or obtain an endorser.
- The school will receive notification of your approved application weekly. Check your financial aid record via my.pitt.edu to verify that your Graduate PLUS loan has been processed within 5-7 days of the initial application.
Federal Loan Processing Timeline
The University of Pittsburgh will begin processing student loans in mid-to-late June. You may check your loan status through the my.pitt.edu portal or the U.S. Department of Education at StudentAid.gov by logging into "Your Account."
