Direct Loans

​​​​​​Dallas College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program.

Two-Step Loan Process

If you are a financial aid applicant, you will be offered a Federal Direct Loan award, whether you want a loan or not.

The process ultimately puts more information and control in your hands, but it does involve a few steps you need to take. Please refer to our questions and answers about the Federal Direct Loan process.

Federal Direct Loan Limits

Federal Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are subject to annual and aggregate borrowing limits established by federal law. The amount available to a student depends on applicable eligibility requirements, including grade level, dependency status, enrollment status, cost of attendance, other financial assistance, and remaining loan eligibility.

Beginning July 1, 2026, annual Direct Loan limits for new periods of enrollment in term-based programs must be reduced proportionally for students enrolled less than full-time, as required by federal law. Students enrolled at least half-time may qualify for a Federal Direct Loan, but half-time enrollment does not guarantee the full annual loan limit. The former 150% Subsidized Usage Limit Applies (SULA) restriction does not apply to new Direct Subsidized Loans with an earliest disbursement date on or after July 1, 2021.

Enrollment Requirements and Loan Disbursement

To be eligible for a Federal Direct Loan at Dallas College, students generally must be enrolled at least half-time, which is six (6) eligible credit hours per semester in coursework applicable to their primary eligible program of study. Dallas College evaluates eligibility and loan amounts based on federal requirements and applicable institutional procedures. For new loan periods beginning on or after July 1, 2026, annual Direct Loan limits for students in term-based programs who are enrolled less than full-time are subject to proportional reduction. An individual loan offer may be less than the annual maximum.

Students must meet participation requirements before loan funds are disbursed. For example, a student enrolled in three (3) eligible credit hours during the first eight-week session and three (3) eligible credit hours during the second eight-week session must have participation verified in both sessions before Dallas College disburses the loan under its current process.

Dallas College reviews enrollment and participation before each loan disbursement.

If a student falls below half-time enrollment before disbursement, the student may become ineligible for that disbursement, and undisbursed loan funds will be adjusted or canceled as required.