Loans

For many students and families, educational loans are a necessary part of the process of paying for college. The Financial Aid Office offers and certifies loans for students, as well as federal Direct PLUS loans for parents of undergraduates. All of these loan programs offer low interest rates, deferment and forbearance options, and a maximum repayment period between 10 and 25 years.

Student outside reading

Federal Direct Loans

The federal Direct loan is the most widely-used loan for college students and is available to both graduate and undergraduate students. There are two types of federal Direct loans and your eligibility for both is determined using your financial aid application.


Arches and Old Union arcade columns

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

The federal Direct PLUS program is a popular financing option for graduate students, and parents of undergraduate students.


Library entrance

Other Loans

There are several other educational loan programs that can provide supplementary funding for students.


Museum

Federal Perkins Loans

Perkins loans are low-interest loans for both graduate and undergraduate students, funded by the federal government and administered by Stanford. Your eligibility is determined using your financial aid application.


People outside by a fountain

Loan Repayment

Learn more about loan consolidation, loan forgiveness, and defaulting on student loans.