For additional information on the recent Public Service Loan Forgiveness & Fresh Start Initiative click here. The deadline for this application is 9/30/2024.

Next steps for loan forgiveness

1. A simple application will launch by early October.
2. Once completed borrowers can expect relief within 4-6 weeks.
3. Fill out application before November 15th to receive relief before payment pause ends.

Sign up at here.

See below for instructions on how to apply

• Federal Direct Loan
• PLUS Loan
• Grad Plus Loan
• For detailed information of all Federal Loans, please click here

Direct Loan Requirements

• Have a FAFSA on file
• Enrolled in at least 6 credits in the term applying for the loan
• Have completed all To Do list items in your CUNYfirst Student Center
• Have remaining Direct Loan eligibility for the term you are requesting to borrow
• Making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for the term you are requesting to borrow
  
  

Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

• Must be completed if you are a First Time Loan Borrower at Lehman. If you do not complete both requirements, the loan will not disburse to your account.
• Entrance Counseling - click here to complete your Entrance Counseling requirement.
• Master Promissory Note - click here to complete your MPN requirement.
  
  

Direct Loan Exit Counseling

***Must be completed if your Enrollment drops below 6 credits, you completely Withdraw OR you Graduate. Click here to complete your Exit Counseling requirement.

• Direct Loan Interest Rates and Maximum Amounts to Borrow (2023-2024 Academic Year)
• Direct Loan Interest Rates for Loans Disbursed prior to 2023-2024

Loans are funds that must be paid back within a specified period of time after the student graduates or leaves college for any reason. Loans provide students and their families with flexibility because the money may be used for tuition as well as other expenses associated with college attendance. In addition, student loans usually carry lower interest charges than the standard commercial rates. Just like any other loan, student loans must be repaid with interest. After you graduate you will be required to repay what you have borrowed. If you fail to meet the terms of the loan with regard to repayment it will impact on your ability to borrow for a car, a home and other purchases in your future. If you have any questions about the repayment terms of a loan you should not sign the promissory note until your questions are answered. If you find that you will need to borrow money to pay for some of the costs of your college education, there are federal loans available to you. CUNY participates in the Direct Loan Program where students borrow directly from the federal government. If you have financial need you may be eligible for a subsidized Direct Loan , where there is no interest charged to you as long as you maintain at least half-time (6 credits) enrollment in school.

• All Undergraduate Direct loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 have an interest rate of 6.53%.
• All Graduate and Professional Direct loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 have an interest rate of  8.08%.
• All Direct PLUS (Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS) Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 have an interest rate of 9.08%

• This information can be found on the Department of Education website, by clicking here.

• Federal Direct Loan eligibility is initially determined through the filing of a FAFSA application.
• However, a separate Lehman College Direct Loan application must also be filed (Grad students - see new Grad loan info. noted above).
• To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a matriculated course of study leading to a degree, registered for a minimum of six credits applicable towards their degree requirements, and have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.0 (3.0 for Graduate students), and meet all other federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
• Direct Loans can be applied to direct and indirect educational costs (e.g. tuition and clothing, respectively). Like Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Loans have employment related loan cancellation provisions. Subsidized Direct Loans range from $200-$5500 for undergraduate students. Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans are also available.
• Cost of Education, Expected Family Contribution and Academic Level determine actual Direct Loan awards. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education FDL website, or email us at direct.loan@lehman.cuny.edu.
  
  

Helpful sites

• Student Debt Repayment Assisitant
• 4 Things You Need to Know About Repaying Your Student Loans

Alternative Loans are education loans that are based on the credit worthiness of the student and/or co-signer(s). Many banks, credit unions, and savings and loan corporations offer these loan products. Alternative loans tend to have higher interest rates than do the Title IV federal loans (i.e., Direct Loan). Most alternative loans require an enrollment status of at least six credits. As with the Title IV federal loans, alternative loan repayment usually begins six months after a student graduates or enroll for less than six credits. The loan accrues interest while the student is attending college. Lehman College views alternative loans as an educational funding source for international students, non-matriculated students and other students who are not eligible for Title IV federal loans. Private (Alternative) loans should be considered only as a "last resort" after exhausting all Federal financial aid options. 

Helpful sites

• Private Loan Comparison Tool
• Student Debt Repayment Assisitant