Direct Loans
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Cerritos College offers Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students pay for educational expenses. Unlike grants and scholarships, student loans must be repaid with interest.
New Federal Loan Regulations
To be considered for a Federal Direct Loan, students must:
- Submit a FAFSA and meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements
- Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and take only the courses required to complete that degree or certificate
- Be enrolled in at least 6 units at the time of disbursement
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Have a complete financial aid file, including approved appeals, if applicable
| Terms | Last Day to submit MPN/LEC* | Last day to accept/decline loans |
| Fall Only | November 6, 2026 | November 27, 2026 |
| Fall/Spring | April 30, 2027 | May 7, 2027 |
| Spring Only | April 30, 2027 | May 7, 2027 |
| Summer Only | June 4, 2027 | June 11, 2027 |
*Loan Entrance Counseling
Your disbursement amount will be determined by your loan eligibility which is based on the number of units you are enrolled in. Students enrolled full-time (12 units or more) may qualify for the maximum annual loan amount. If you are enrolled less than full-time, your loan eligibility will be adjusted based on your enrollment level.
Example: A student enrolled in 6 units during the fall semester is eligible for 25% of the annual loan limit.
| Enrollment | Loan Proration Per Semester |
|---|---|
| 12 | 50% |
| 11.5 | 48% |
| 11 | 46% |
| 10.5 | 44% |
| 10 | 42% |
| 9.5 | 40% |
| 9 | 38% |
| 8.5 | 35% |
| 8 | 33% |
| 7.5 | 31% |
| 7 | 29% |
| 6.5 | 27% |
| 6 | 25% |
| 0 - 5.5 | 0% |
2026-2027 Direct Loan Application is available July 1, 2026
How to Apply for a Student Loan
If you are interested in applying for a Direct Loan, please read and carefully follow the steps below:
Complete a Direct Loan Entrance Counseling (new borrowers only)
Complete Loan Agreement for a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan (MPN)
- The Loan Agreement for a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your student loan(s).
A disbursement will be processed for eligible students according to the disbursement schedule. You can check the status of your disbursements online at MyCerritos.
- Students must meet SAP standards to be eligible for disbursement.
- Loan disbursement cannot be processed unless you are officially enrolled in at least 6 eligible financial aid units and classes have begun.
Complete a Direct Loan Exit Counseling
Managing Your Loan Account and More
Choose the right repayment option for you. It is important to setup and manage your account with your loan servicer.
Repayment Estimator: When it comes time to start repaying your student loan(s), you can select a repayment plan that’s right for your financial situation.
Know What You Owe: The National Student Loan Data System has information about your federal student loans.
Make online payments, view your account balances and payment history, change your billing options, enroll in electronic services and much more.
Not sure who your loan servicer is? Find out today!
| Loan Servicer | Contact |
|---|---|
| Edfinancial | 1-855-337-6884 |
| MOHELA | 1-888-866-4352 |
| Aidvantage | 1-800-722-1300 |
| Nelnet | 1-888-486-4722 |
| ECSI | 1-866-313-3797 |
| Default Resolution Group | 1-800-621-3115 |
Having trouble paying your loan? Can't afford your loan payment?
Notify your loan servicer if your unable to make your loan payment. You have options, the federal student loan program understands that things happen and don't always go according to plan you may qualify for a deferment or forbearance which temporarily stops or reduces your loan payment. Not paying your student loan can affect your credit so it is important to keep your loan servicer up to date. Avoidance is not the answer.
- In-School Deferment: Must be enrolled in at least 6 units
Cerritos College participates in the National Student ClearingHouse program and Admissions and Records will submit your current enrollment at the end of every month to the ClearingHouse. You can also obtain an enrollment certificate through your mycerritos account.
Learn more about the different options you have deferment and forbearance options and how to apply.
Contact your Loan Servicer today to see if you are eligible for any type of Deferment or Forbearance.
Before applying for a student loan consider searching for grants and scholarships. Reminder! All loans have to be paid back.
Visit Federal Student Aid for detailed information about loan types, interest rates, repayment options, and borrower responsibilities.
Note: Cerritos College does not participate in Direct PLUS Loans or Alternative/Private Loans