Loans are money that you or your parents borrow and repay with interest. Education loans are offered at low interest rates and have long repayment terms. Some loans require a demonstration of need, others do not.
There are several types of loans available to help a student fund their education:
Federal Direct Student Loans
The Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are low-interest loans designed to provide students with funds for their college education.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, is a low-interest loan for parents of dependent undergraduate students.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is designed to provide graduate and professional students with additional funds for their education.
Private Loans
Private loans, also known as alternative loans, can help cover your educational costs after all other federal, state, and institutional options have been exhausted.
Emergency Loans
This loan is to be used for unplanned educationally related expenses only.
National Student Loan Data System
When George Mason processes any federal loan for either a student or parent, information about that loan is transmitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and is accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.
Exit Loan Counseling
U.S. Department of Education Exit Loan Counseling Guide