Student Loans

Dartmouth is committed to reducing student debt - student loans are not a required part of a financial aid package. 

Students and parents may decide to borrow student loans to replace some or all of the calculated family contribution or additional expenses such as health insurance or a computer.

Loans from Dartmouth

Dartmouth provides need based loans beyond eligibility from federal funds. Often they are offered in a student's award. If you have questions about additional loans you may qualify for please call or come in to the office.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

The lender and guarantor for these loan programs is the U.S. Department of Education.

Your FAFSA application will determine if you are eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans.

Student borrowers eligible for need-based subsidized Direct Loans will have their interest paid for by the federal government while the student remains enrolled at least half-time.

All other students, including those who may qualify for only a partially subsidized loan, may apply for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. This has the same terms and conditions except that the student borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues while in school. For current interest rate and origination fee information please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

All first-time borrowers will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online.

Maximum Loan Limits for Federal Direct Loans

Ist Year

Dependent Undergraduate: $5,500 maximum ($3,500 in subsidized loans)
Independent Undergraduate: $9,500 maximum ($3,500 in subsidized loans)

2nd Year

Dependent Undergraduate: $6,500 maximum ($4,500 in subsidized loans)
Independent Undergraduate: $10,500 maximum ($4,500 in subsidized loans)

3rd Year and Beyond

Dependent Undergraduate: $7,500 maximum ($5,500 in subsidized loans)
Independent Undergraduate: $12,500 maximum ($5,500 in subsidized loans)

TOTAL

Dependent Undergraduate: $31,000 maximum ($23,000 in subsidized loans)
Independent Undergraduate: $57,500 maximum ($23,000 in subsidized loans)

Additional Loans

Loans are often available for both students and parents should the need arise for a family to borrow to cover the family contribution. You can request additional student loans anytime during the academic year.