2026–2027 Federal Direct Loan Information
📅 Loan Application Availability
Loan Applications Available Starting: August 17, 2026.
To request a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan:
- Call the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office at (909) 274-4450
- Submit your completed Direct Loan Application online through Adobe Sign.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following BEFORE requesting a loan. No exceptions.
- Submit a FAFSA for 2026–2027.
- Be enrolled in at least 6 degree-applicable units.
- Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Have a full, counselor-approved Educational Plan (Assessment Questionnaire must be completed).
- Submit all required documents via Adobe Sign.
- Complete any pending financial aid requirements.
- Your total financial aid, including grants and loans, must not exceed your cost of attendance.
- New borrowers must complete:
- Monitor the Financial Aid tab in your Mt. SAC Student Portal for updates.
- Approved students will receive a Disclosure Statement from the loan servicer.
Note: An approved SAP appeal does not guarantee loan approval.
📎 Required Documents
- Signed, full and complete Educational Plan from a counselor
- Copy of a valid State ID or Driver’s License and Social Security Card
- Proof of completed Entrance Counseling
- Incomplete packets will not be accepted and will delay the process
📌 Loan Request Deadlines & Disbursement Dates
| Semester | Request Deadline | Disbursement Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | November 13, 2026 (by 7:00 PM) | October 2, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | May 14, 2027 (by 7:00 PM) | March 12, 2027 |
📊 2026–2027 Loan Limit Proration by Unit Load
Beginning with 2026–2027, annual Federal Direct Loan limits are reduced for students enrolled less than full time. Your maximum annual loan limit is based on your enrollment status.
| Degree-Applicable Units | Enrollment Status | Percentage of Annual Loan Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 12 or more units | Full Time | 100% |
| 9–11 units | Three-Quarter Time | 75% |
| 6–8 units | Half Time | 50% |
| Fewer than 6 units | Less Than Half Time | Not Eligible |
Example: A student with a $5,500 annual loan limit who is enrolled in 9–11 degree-applicable units may be eligible for up to 75% of that limit, or $4,125.
Important: The percentage shown is the maximum based on unit load. Your actual loan eligibility may be lower based on your cost of attendance, financial need, other financial aid, prior borrowing, remaining annual or aggregate eligibility, and other federal requirements.
Your loan eligibility may be recalculated if your enrollment changes.
Learn more: Federal Student Aid 2026–2027 Updates
💵 Interest Rates & Fees (2026–2027)
Interest rates apply to Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2027.
| Loan Type | Borrower | Fixed Interest Rate | Loan Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized | Undergraduate Students | 6.52% | 1.057% |
| Direct PLUS | Parents of Dependent Undergraduate Students | 9.07% | 4.228% |
Loan fees apply to loans with a first disbursement made on or after October 1, 2020, and before October 1, 2027.
Source: Federal Student Aid
⚖️ Institutional Right to Deny or Reduce Loans
Section 428(a)(2)(F) of the Higher Education Act allows Mt. SAC to refuse or reduce loan certification based on documented reasons, such as unwillingness to repay. Students will be notified in writing if this occurs.
🔗 Helpful Resources
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans | Manage loans, complete counseling, and access loan servicer information |
| finaid.org/loans/forgiveness | Explore federal loan forgiveness programs |
| finaid.org/calculators/loanpayments | Estimate your monthly loan payments |
