2026–2027 Federal Direct Loan Information
📅 Loan Application Availability
Loan Requests Available Starting: August 17, 2026.
Students interested in a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan must begin the process by submitting the 2026-2027 Direct Loan Eligibility Review Mt. SAC through StudentForms.
Note: StudentForms must be accessed through your Mt. SAC Student Portal.
- Log in to your Mt. SAC Student Portal.
- Access StudentForms and go to Manage Requests.
- Select 2026-2027 Direct Loan Eligibility Review Mt. SAC.
- Complete and submit the Eligibility Review and all required documentation.
- The Loan Specialist will review your eligibility.
- If eligible, the Loan Specialist will assign the 2026-2027 Direct Loan Application Mt. SAC in StudentForms for you to complete.
Important: Submitting the Eligibility Review means your request has been received for review. It does not mean your loan has been approved.
Loan requests are generally processed in received-date order. Processing may take approximately 3–4 weeks. If a request must be resubmitted, the resubmission will receive a new received date.
👪 Parent PLUS Loans
A Direct PLUS Loan is a federal loan borrowed by the parent of a dependent undergraduate student. It is not additional loan money borrowed by the student.
If your parent is interested in borrowing a Parent PLUS Loan to help pay your educational expenses, please contact the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office at (909) 274-4450 for information about the Parent PLUS Loan process and how to apply.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all applicable federal and Mt. SAC eligibility requirements before a Direct Loan can be approved.
- Submit a FAFSA for 2026–2027.
- Have a high school diploma, recognized equivalent, or otherwise meet applicable federal student eligibility requirements.
- Be enrolled in at least 6 non-waitlisted, degree-applicable units.
- Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Have a complete, current Comprehensive Educational Plan approved by a counselor.
- Complete all required financial aid tasks and submit all required loan documentation through StudentForms.
- Have remaining annual and aggregate Federal Direct Loan eligibility.
- Your total financial aid, including grants and loans, must not exceed your cost of attendance.
- First-time Direct Loan borrowers must complete:
- Monitor StudentForms and your Mt. SAC Student Portal for updates or additional requirements.
Note: An approved SAP appeal does not guarantee loan approval.
📎 Required Documents
- Valid government-issued photo ID, such as a State ID or Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Complete, current Comprehensive Educational Plan approved by a counselor
- Proof of completed Entrance Counseling, when required
Educational Plan Requirement: Abbreviated education plans, curriculum sheets, and MAPs are not accepted in place of the required Comprehensive Educational Plan.
Incomplete submissions cannot be processed and may delay your loan request.
📌 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 on a case-by-case basis when documented reasons support the decision. Students will be notified in writing if their loan request is denied or reduced.
🔗 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/loans/calculators/loanpayments/ | Estimate your monthly loan payments |
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