äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

>

Legacy Program Federal Student Loan Options for Graduate/Professional Students

This page is only for current graduate students who were enrolled in their program of study and originated a loan before July 1, 2026. If you are a new graduate student, please visit our main Federal Student Loan page.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is our firm belief that families should borrow only when absolutely necessary, and then only to the extent that is needed. We encourage that serious and deliberate consideration be given to making any borrowing decision.

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

    How do I apply for this loan, and am I eligible?

    • Must meet for federal student aid
    • Annual limit is up to $20,500 each year for graduate students.
    • Aggregate* limit is capped at $100,000 for graduate students.
    • Annual limit is up to $50,000 each year for professional students
      • Professional student programs include Law (J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), and Theology (M.Div.)
    • Aggregate* limit is capped at $200,000 for professional students
    • Login to using your FSA ID
    • Under "Loans and Grants," click on "Master Promissory Note (MPN)" and complete the MPN for Graduate/Professional students.
    • Under "Loans and Grants," click on "Loan Entrance Counseling" and complete for Graduate or Professional students.
    • Completion of MPN and Entrance is only required once
    • Loan is accepted and will be processed when all loan documents are received.
    • Email to reduce or cancel your loan.

    *Aggregate amounts do not include amounts borrowed as an undergraduate

    What is the interest rate, and what fees are charged for these loans?

    • Effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, the interest rate = 7.942%
    • Origination fee = 1.057%, deducted at each disbursement

    When do I begin repaying the loan?

    • Repayment begins six months (grace period) after you drop below half-time enrollment status.
    • Visit for loan repayment information and their Loan Simulator.
  • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
    • This program is eliminated for all new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
    • Legacy Provision: If a borrower has a Federal Direct Loan made before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in the same program of study, the borrower can continue to borrow from the program for 3 academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less. For legacy loans, the annual limit is equal to your cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance.

    How do I apply for this loan?

    • Students must meet for federal student aid.
    • Students must pass the credit check.
    • Initiate the process at using your FSA ID to log in
    • Under "Loan and Grants," click on "Mastery Promissory Note (MPN)" and complete for Graduate/Professional student.
      • Completion of MPN is only required once
    • Under "Loan and Grants," click on "Plus Loans: Grad Plus and Parent Plus," then select Graduate or Professional student.
      • Grad PLUS Loan application is required each aid year
      • The Grad PLUS will be updated to accepted status after we receive approved credit check.
    • If the student does not pass the credit check, two options are available
      • Endorse a PLUS Loan
      • Appeal a Credit Decision
      • If either option is used, then PLUS Credit Counseling is required
    • Email to reduce or cancel your loan.

    What are the interest rate and fees for this loan?

    • Effective July 1, 2025– June 30, 2026, the interest rate = 8.942%
    • Origination fee = 4.228%, deducted at each disbursement

    When do I begin repaying the loan?

    • Repayment begins six months (grace period) after you drop below half-time enrollment status.
    • Visit for loan repayment information and their Loan Simulator.

Explore Loans and Payment Plans

Contact Us

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

PMB 407810
2309 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37240-7810

Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

On-campus: 2-3591
(615) 322-3591
1-800-288-0204