Federal Direct Loan Program

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) was established in 1993 as an effort to bring about more affordable lending and financial aid for college students in the United States. It is an extension of the U.S. Department of Education and currently is the only institution allowed to originate federal student loans.

As of July 1, 2010, the Federal Direct Loan Program is the only lending organization for students to receive student aid from the federal government.

Direct Federal Loan Programs

Currently, the FDLP supports four major financial aid products: the Stafford loan, Perkins loan, Pell Grant and PLUS loan. To learn more about each type, click a link below.

• Direct Stafford Loans
• Federal Perkins Loan Program
• Federal Pell Grants
• Direct PLUS Loans

Request Direct Student Loan Information

Contacting the Federal Direct Loan Program

If you wish to get in touch with the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, you may call (800) 848-0979 or email a customer service representative: studentaid@ed.gov.

Direct Federal Loan Related Websites

• FAFSA Advice - Submit and/or correct your FAFSA application for federal direct student loans.
• Federal Direct Loan Center - Check your loan balances, payments, update billing information and more.
• StudentLoans.gov - eSign your Master Promissory Note, complete entrance counseling, view loan documents and complete federal direct PLUS requests online.