Graduate Loan Options

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

A Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a federal loan that accrues interest immediately upon disbursement.

  • Interest rate: 8.07% fixed rate for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, but before July 1, 2027.
    Origination fee: 1.057% as of October 1, 2020
  • Repayment begins six months after graduation or after the student drops below half-time enrollment
  • Can receive maximum of $20,500 annually (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time.
  • First-time borrowers must complete Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Loan Counseling online at www.studentaid.gov.
  • Students apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (Legacy Students Only)

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program is no longer available to new graduate student borrowers. However, certain continuing students may remain eligible under federal legacy borrower provisions. For eligible borrowers, a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that accrues interest immediately upon disbursement.  Eligible students can borrow Graduate PLUS after exhausting their federal Unsubsidized Loan eligibility each year. New graduate students as of July 1, 2026 will not be eligible for Graduate PLUS Loans.

  • A credit check is required. If you do not qualify for a Graduate PLUS Loan because of adverse credit history, students have the option to add an endorser or appeal to the U.S. Department of Education by providing documentation of extenuating circumstances. For more information please visit on adding an endorser or appealing, please visit www.studentaid.gov.
  • Interest rate: 9.07% fixed rate for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, but before July 1, 2027.
    Origination fee: 4.228% as of October 1, 2020
  • Repayment begins six months after graduation or after the student drops below half-time enrollment.
  • The maximum students can borrow is up to their Cost of Attendance, minus all other financial aid received.
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time.
  • First-time borrowers must complete Graduate PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Loan Counseling online at www.studentaid.gov.
  • Eligible borrowers must be continuously enrolled in the same program of study at the same school.
  • Eligible borrowers can continue to access Graduate PLUS during their expected time to credential. Expected time of credential is the amount of time it should take you to finish your program. This amount of time is whichever is the shorter of three academic years, or the remaining length of your program, based on how long the program is and how much you're already completed.
  • Students can apply online through the federal website at www.studentaid.gov.

Alternative Loan

Interest rates and benefits vary depending upon lender.

  • The maximum students can borrow is up to their Cost of Attendance, minus all other financial aid received.
  • Students can borrow through any lender they choose, however, Bellarmine does offer a recommended lender list online to assist students with their lender options. 
  • Options for less than half-time and past due balances.