Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non-need-based federal loans available to eligible graduate and professional students. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed, and students are responsible for all accrued interest.

Eligibility and annual borrowing limits are determined by federal regulations and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Students interested in borrowing Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans should complete the FAFSA annually and review any additional requirements communicated by the USF Health Office of Financial Aid.

Helpful Resources:

• FAFSA Application (Federal Student Aid)

• Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

• Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Graduate PLUS Loans are federal credit-based loans available to eligible graduate and professional students to help cover educational expenses not met through other financial aid resources.

Graduate PLUS Loan eligibility may vary based on applicable federal regulations and individual circumstances. Students approved for Graduate PLUS Loans may borrow up to their remaining Cost of Attendance after other financial aid has been applied.

Graduate PLUS Loans require a credit review conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who do not meet credit requirements may have the option to obtain an endorser or document extenuating circumstances in accordance with federal requirements.

Helpful Resources:

• Graduate PLUS Loan Application

• Graduate PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Private educational loans are non-federal loans offered by private lenders. Students should explore federal loan options before considering private loans and carefully compare lender terms, interest rates, borrower benefits, repayment options, and eligibility requirements.

Students are not required to borrow from lenders appearing on any lender comparison tool and may choose any lender that participates in the private education loan program. The lenders available through ELMSelect were selected based on historical borrowing patterns among USF students and their ability to provide electronic loan processing.

Private loan applications generally require students to select a loan period corresponding to the academic period for which funding is requested. The following loan periods should be used when completing private loan applications for the 2026–2027 academic year:

ELMSelect Private Loan Comparison Tool

Students applying for private (alternative) loans may use the following commonly used enrollment periods when completing lender applications.

Loan periods are intended to approximate the academic enrollment period for the selected term(s).

Students with questions regarding loan application periods should contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid before submitting a private loan application.

Interest not paid while enrolled may accrue and capitalize at repayment. Students are encouraged to borrow only what is necessary through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan programs.

The Taneja College of Pharmacy’s Office of Student Affairs (TCOP OSA) coordinates scholarship opportunities available to eligible PharmD students. Additional information regarding scholarship availability, application processes, and selection criteria will be communicated directly to students through official university channels.

Questions regarding PharmD scholarship opportunities should be directed to the Taneja College of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities through resources such as:

• Fastweb

• FinAid! Scholarship Search

• Big Future: College Scholarship Search