As a result of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, beginning July 1, 2010, federal student loans will no longer be made by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. Instead, all new federal student loans will come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program.
| Type of Loan | Amounts | Eligibility | Interest/Repayment |
| Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan | Maximum $3,500 for the first year of undergraduate study, $4,500 for the second year of undergraduate study, $5,500 per year for subsequent years of undergraduate study to a maximum of $23,000 including any amount borrowed through the Federal Subsidized Loan. Graduate students can request up to $8,500 per academic year. | FAFSA required. Applicants must demonstrate financial eligibility. Must be enrolled at least half-time. | Variable interest capped at 8.25% for new borrowers. Dept. of Education pays interest while student is in school and during grace and deferment periods; must be at least half time. |
| Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan | Same as maximum as Federal Stafford Loan. Undergraduate students are automatically eligible for $2,000 in an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Students may be eligible for the additional Unsubsidized Stafford loan of $4,000 for first and second year undergraduates, $5,000 for third and fourth year students, and $12,000 for graduate students. | FAFSA required, but financial eligibility need not be demonstrated. Must be enrolled at least half-time. | Variable interest capped at 8.25% for new borrowers. Payment is deferred. Student is responsible for interest during the life of the loan; must be at least half time. |
| Federal PLUS Loan | Maximum amount is based on other aid the student receives; however, amount cannot exceed student's cost of attendance. | FAFSA required at GSU, but financial eligibility need not be demonstrated. Eligibility based on parent's credit. Must be enrolled at least half-time. | Variable interest rate capped at 9%. Payments are not deferred, but begins 60 days after the release of the second disbursement to the school. |