Federal student loan programs offer low-interest loans with borrower-friendly repayment terms for eligible students and parents. Before borrowing, we encourage you to explore eligibility, loan types, limits, and application steps outlined below.
Loan Types and Eligibility
Direct Subsidized Loans
Available to undergraduate students with financial need.
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Interest does not accrue while enrolled at least half-time.
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Repayment begins six months after graduation or dropping below half-time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Available to undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of financial need.
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Interest accrues from the date of disbursement.
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Same repayment timeline as Subsidized Loans.
Note: Students must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before receiving funds. Exit Counseling is required when graduating or dropping below half-time.
| Borrower Type | Aggregate Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| Dependent Undergraduate Students | $31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized) |
| Independent Undergraduate Students | $57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized) |
| Graduate Students | $138,500 (includes undergraduate borrowing) |
| Veterinary Medicine & Pharmacy Students | $224,000 (includes undergraduate borrowing) |
Federal PLUS Loans (Parent & Graduate)
Federal PLUS Loans are unsubsidized loans available to two groups:
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Parent PLUS Loans – For biological, adoptive, or qualifying stepparents of dependent undergraduate students
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Graduate PLUS Loans – For students enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program
Eligibility
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A valid 2025–26 FAFSA must be on file with Auburn University.
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The student (or the graduate applicant) must be enrolled at least half-time.
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The borrower must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
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Borrowers must not have an adverse credit history (credit check required).
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Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
Refund Options (Parent PLUS only)
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Parents may request refunds (credit balances) be sent either:
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To the student (via direct deposit), or
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To the parent (via mailed paper check only – no direct deposit allowed)
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Apply at studentaid.gov/plus-app using your FSA ID:
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Log in as the parent (for Parent PLUS) or student (for Graduate PLUS).
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Under “Loans and Grants,” select “Apply for a PLUS Loan.”
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Choose Auburn University as the school.
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Enter all required information and complete the application.
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If approved, complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN):
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Parent: Select “I’m a Parent of an Undergraduate Student”
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Graduate: Select “I’m a Graduate/Professional Student”
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Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL)
Available to eligible Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine students with financial need.
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Interest: 5%
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Repayment: Begins 12 months after half-time enrollment ends
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Parental financial data is required, even for independent students.
Alternative/Private Loans
While federal loans are recommended, students may explore private lenders. Auburn does not maintain a preferred lender list and will process loans from any approved lender. Be sure to compare interest rates, terms, and repayment options.
