Direct Loans are low-interest loans for you and/or your parents to help pay for educational expenses. The lender for Direct Loans is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest.

You MUST have a valid FAFSA application for the year you intend to borrow loans. Dream Act applicants are not eligible for the Direct Loan program.

Types of Direct Loans

Subsidized

Requires financial need, as determined by federal regulations; No interest is charged while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods. Payment due 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment.

Unsubsidized

Not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods. Payment due 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment.

Parent PLUS

Must be the parent of a dependent student enrolled at least half-time; credit check is required; not based on financial need; interest charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods. Payment due 60 days after final disbursement (may be deferred while student is enrolled at least half-time).

All the above loan types have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. See Federal Student Aid's current loan fees.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Your 2018-19 Financial Aid Awards must be finalized in order to apply for a Federal Direct Loan.
2. You must be enrolled in at least 6 degree applicable units (excluding remedial units) in an eligible program of study at Bakersfield College. Wait listed courses do not count.
3. Bakersfield College must be declared as your home school.
4. You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as outlined in the Terms of Agreement for Bakersfield College.
5. You must have completed Placement testing. If you need to complete Placement testing, contact the Testing and Placement Center at (661) 395-4479.
6. You must have a declared major and educational goal and be following a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP).
7. Students on Financial Aid Suspension are ineligible for Direct Loans.

Additional Information

• Deferment and Forbearance Information
• Right to Cancel Information and form
• Steps to Request a Loan Deferment
• Federal Student Loans Information

Avoid defaulting on your student loan!

Don't Lose Your Tax Return!

Are you past due on your federal student loans? Call today to get on the right track-with your federal student loans at 1-844-ON-TRACK or visit ECMC Solutions. Our services are proviced to your at no cost by your former school!

Did you know?

The government can take your tax return if you default on your federal student loan.

ECMC Solutions Hours M-Thu: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. CT; F: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. CT; S: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT

There are options that may help you avoid loan default. Bakersfield College has teamed up with E.C.M.C. Solutions to provide student loan borrowers a resource to help you manage your educational loans. This service is FREE of charge and you can contact them regarding loan repayment advice, repayment plan options, forbearances and deferments, and loan forgiveness. Contact E.C.M.C. Solutions by phone at 1-877-331-3262 or visit E.C.M.C. Solutions to connect through email or web chat with one of their counselors.