Although institutional scholarships and grants make up a large portion of many financial aid offers, student and parent loans can also help you meet your education costs.
Personalized loan counseling is available—particularly at graduation time—and every effort is made to keep debt levels manageable.
Several fixed-interest loans are available to assist you and your parents with the cost of college. Some are based on financial need, and all loans take into consideration the cost of attendance and any other sources of financial aid being received.
Federal Changes to Loan Eligibility:
The OBBBA [PDF] was signed into law on July 4, 2025.
The Department of Education released final regulations regarding Federal Student Loan Program changes on May 1, 2026.
This legislation impacts Federal Student Aid programs, including Federal Student Loan repayment plans, Federal Student Loan limits, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, and Federal Graduate PLUS Loans. These changes are effective on July 1, 2026.
For more information, please visit our Upcoming Federal Changes webpage.
Before You Borrow
Before making any borrowing decisions, you should:
- File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Tap your other resources.
- Borrow Federal Direct Loans first
- Pursue Federal Graduate PLUS loans next (if you are a graduate student).
- Ask for help from your parents.
- Shop around before borrowing an alternative (private) loan.
- Review the Private Loan Borrowing Guide
Federal Loan Eligibility
To be considered eligible for a Federal loan, you must:
- Be matriculated and make academic progress in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or diploma at Syracuse University.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Be enrolled for six or more credit hours per term
- Not be in default on any previous federal student loan or grant program.
Loan Disbursements
Loans are sent in two disbursements, half in the fall and half in the spring. If the loan is being borrowed for only one semester, the funds are disbursed in full at the beginning of the semester. Graduate students enrolled in online programs will receive their loan disbursements at the beginning of their enrollment period.
Many students receive a refund from their loan funds for living expenses. You may request a refund on MySlice under Student Services or by contacting the Bursar’s office.
Come to campus prepared to buy books and have money for personal expenses because refunds may not be immediately available when you arrive on campus.
Application Deadlines
You must reapply for your loans by completing the FAFSA each academic year. You may apply for a federal loan at any point throughout the term for which you want the loan, but you cannot borrow a federal loan for a term that has ended.