Part D—William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Editorial Notes
Codification
Parts A to J of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965,
Prior Provisions
A prior part D, consisting of part E of title IV of
§1087a. Program authority
(a) In general
There are hereby made available, in accordance with the provisions of this part, such sums as may be necessary (1) to make loans to all eligible students (and the eligible parents of such students) in attendance at participating institutions of higher education selected by the Secretary, to enable such students to pursue their courses of study at such institutions during the period beginning July 1, 1994; and (2) for purchasing loans under
(b) Designation
(1) Program
The program established under this part shall be referred to as the "William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program".
(2) Direct loans
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, loans made to borrowers under this part that, except as otherwise specified in this part, have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as loans made to borrowers under
(c) Maximum aid
The maximum dollar amount of financial assistance provided under this part to a student shall not exceed the cost of attendance for such student.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1087a,
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (c).
2008—Subsec. (a).
1994—
1993—
1992—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
Income Contingent Loan Distribution of Funds
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) notify the borrower of such conversion;
"(2) obtain a signed part E promissory note from the borrower for the remaining amount outstanding; and
"(3) provide the borrower in writing with a description of all terms and conditions of the new loan."
§1087b. Funds for origination of direct student loans
(a) In general
The Secretary shall provide, on the basis of the need and the eligibility of students at each participating institution, and parents of such students, for such loans, funds for student and parent loans under this part—
(1) directly to an institution of higher education that has an agreement with the Secretary under
(2) through an alternative originator designated by the Secretary to students (and parents of students) attending institutions of higher education that have an agreement with the Secretary under
(b) No entitlement to participate or originate
No institution of higher education shall have a right to participate in the programs authorized by this part, to originate loans, or to perform any program function under this part. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed so as to limit the entitlement of an eligible student attending a participating institution (or the eligible parent of such student) to borrow under this part.
(c) Delivery of loan funds
Loan funds shall be paid and delivered to an institution by the Secretary prior to the beginning of the payment period established by the Secretary in a manner that is consistent with payment and delivery of Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of this subchapter.
(d) Institutions outside the United States
Loan funds for students (and parents of students) attending institutions outside the United States shall be disbursed through a financial institution located or operating in the United States and designated by the Secretary to serve as the agent of such institutions with respect to the receipt of the disbursements of such loan funds and the transfer of such funds to such institutions. To be eligible to receive funds under this part, an institution outside the United States shall make arrangements with the agent designated by the Secretary under this subsection to receive funds under this part.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1087b,
Amendments
2010—Subsec. (d).
1998—Subsec. (c).
1997—Subsecs. (b) to (d).
1993—
1992—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
§1087c. Selection of institutions for participation and origination
(a) General authority
The Secretary shall enter into agreements pursuant to
(b) Selection criteria
(1) Application
Each institution of higher education desiring to participate in the direct student loan program under this part shall submit an application satisfactory to the Secretary containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require.
(2) Selection procedure
The Secretary shall select institutions for participation in the direct student loan program under this part, and shall enter into agreements with such institutions under
(c) Selection criteria for origination
(1) In general
The Secretary may enter into a supplemental agreement with an institution (or a consortium of such institutions) that—
(A) has an agreement under subsection 1 1087d(a) of this title;
(B) desires to originate loans under this part; and
(C) meets the criteria described in paragraph (2).
(2) Selection criteria
The Secretary may approve an institution to originate loans only if such institution—
(A) is not on the reimbursement system of payment for any of the programs under subpart 1 or 3 of part A, part C, or part E of this subchapter;
(B) is not overdue on program or financial reports or audits required under this subchapter;
(C) is not subject to an emergency action, or a limitation, suspension, or termination under
(D) in the opinion of the Secretary, has not had severe performance deficiencies for any of the programs under this subchapter, including such deficiencies demonstrated by audits or program reviews submitted or conducted during the 5 calendar years immediately preceding the date of application;
(E) provides an assurance that such institution has no delinquent outstanding debts to the Federal Government, unless such debts are being repaid under or in accordance with a repayment arrangement satisfactory to the Federal Government, or the Secretary in the Secretary's discretion determines that the existence or amount of such debts has not been finally determined by the cognizant Federal agency; and
(F) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish to protect the financial interest of the United States and to promote the purposes of this part.
(d) Eligible institutions
The Secretary may not select an institution of higher education for participation under this section unless such institution is an eligible institution under
(e) Consortia
Subject to such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe, eligible institutions of higher education (as determined under subsection (d)) with agreements under
(
Editorial Notes
Codification
Amendment by section 2 of
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1087c,
Amendments
2009—Subsec. (c)(3).
1998—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b)(2).
"(A)(i) categorizing such institutions according to anticipated loan volume, length of academic program, control of the institution, highest degree offered, size of student enrollment, geographic location, annual loan volume, and default experience; and
"(ii) beginning in academic year 1995–1996 selecting institutions that are reasonably representative of each of the categories described pursuant to clause (i); and
"(B) if the Secretary determines it necessary in order to carry out the purposes of subparagraph (A) and attain such reasonable representation (as required by subparagraph (A)), selecting additional institutions."
Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (c)(2)(A).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B) to (D).
Subsec. (c)(2)(E).
Subsec. (c)(2)(F) to (H).
Subsec. (c)(3).
1993—
Subsec. (b)(2)(B).
1992—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
1 So in original. Probably should be "section".
§1087d. Agreements with institutions
(a) Participation agreements
An agreement with any institution of higher education for participation in the direct student loan program under this part shall—
(1) provide for the establishment and maintenance of a direct student loan program at the institution under which the institution will—
(A) identify eligible students who seek student financial assistance at such institution in accordance with
(B) estimate the need of each such student as required by part F of this subchapter for an academic year, except that, any loan obtained by a student under this part with the same terms as loans made under
(C) provide a statement that certifies the eligibility of any student to receive a loan under this part that is not in excess of the annual or aggregate limit applicable to such loan, except that the institution may, in exceptional circumstances identified by the Secretary, refuse to certify a statement that permits a student to receive a loan under this part, or certify a loan amount that is less than the student's determination of need (as determined under part F of this subchapter), if the reason for such action is documented and provided in written form to such student;
(D) set forth a schedule for disbursement of the proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the requirements of
(E) provide timely and accurate information—
(i) concerning the status of student borrowers (and students on whose behalf parents borrow under this part) while such students are in attendance at the institution and concerning any new information of which the institution becomes aware for such students (or their parents) after such borrowers leave the institution, to the Secretary for the servicing and collecting of loans made under this part; and
(ii) if the institution does not have an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (b), concerning student eligibility and need, as determined under subparagraphs (A) and (B), to the Secretary as needed for the alternative origination of loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with this part;
(2) provide assurances that the institution will comply with requirements established by the Secretary relating to student loan information with respect to loans made under this part;
(3) provide that the institution accepts responsibility and financial liability stemming from its failure to perform its functions pursuant to the agreement;
(4) provide for the implementation of a quality assurance system, as established by the Secretary and developed in consultation with institutions of higher education, to ensure that the institution is complying with program requirements and meeting program objectives;
(5) provide that the institution will not charge any fees of any kind, however described, to student or parent borrowers for origination activities or the provision of any information necessary for a student or parent to receive a loan under this part, or any benefits associated with such loan; and
(6) include such other provisions as the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the interests of the United States and to promote the purposes of this part.
(b) Origination
An agreement with any institution of higher education, or consortia thereof, for the origination of loans under this part shall—
(1) supplement the agreement entered into in accordance with subsection (a);
(2) include provisions established by the Secretary that are similar to the participation agreement provisions described in paragraphs (1)(E)(ii), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) of subsection (a), as modified to relate to the origination of loans by the institution or consortium;
(3) provide that the institution or consortium will originate loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with this part; and
(4) provide that the note or evidence of obligation on the loan shall be the property of the Secretary.
(c) Withdrawal and termination procedures
The Secretary shall establish procedures by which institutions or consortia may withdraw or be terminated from the program under this part.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (a)(1)(B).
2010—Subsec. (a)(4) to (7).
Subsec. (b)(2).
1993—
1992—
1987—Subsec. (a)(4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1987 Amendment
Amendment by
§1087e. Terms and conditions of loans
(a) In general
(1) Parallel terms, conditions, benefits, and amounts
Unless otherwise specified in this part, loans made to borrowers under this part shall have the same terms, conditions, and benefits, and be available in the same amounts, as loans made to borrowers, and first disbursed on June 30, 2010, under
(2) Designation of loans
Loans made to borrowers under this part that, except as otherwise specified in this part, have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as loans made to borrowers under—
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(3) Termination of authority to make interest subsidized loans to graduate and professional students
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B) and notwithstanding any provision of this part or part B, for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2012—
(i) a graduate or professional student shall not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct Stafford loan under this part; and
(ii) the maximum annual amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans such a student may borrow in any academic year (as defined in
(B) Exception
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an individual enrolled in course work specified in paragraph (3)(B) or (4)(B) of
(b) Interest rate
(1) Rates for FDSL and FDUSL
For Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1994, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(B) 3.1 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(2) In school and grace period rules
(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), but subject to paragraph (3), with respect to any Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1995, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues—
(i) prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or
(ii) during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in
shall not exceed the rate determined under subparagraph (B).
(B) For the purpose of subparagraph (A), the rate determined under this subparagraph shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to such June 1; plus
(ii) 2.5 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(3) Out-year rule
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made on or after July 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A) the bond equivalent rate of the security with a comparable maturity as established by the Secretary; plus
(B) 1.0 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(4) Rates for FDPLUS
(A)(i) For Federal Direct PLUS Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1994, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on or before June 30, 2001, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(I) the bond equivalent rate of 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(II) 3.1 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent.
(ii) For any 12-month period beginning on July 1 of 2001 or any succeeding year, the applicable rate of interest determined under this subparagraph shall be determined on the preceding June 26 and be equal to—
(I) the weekly average 1-year constant maturity Treasury yield, as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, for the last calendar week ending on or before such June 26; plus
(II) 3.1 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent.
(B) For Federal Direct PLUS loans made on or after July 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(i) the bond equivalent rate of the security with a comparable maturity as established by the Secretary; plus
(ii) 2.1 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent.
(5) Temporary interest rate provision
(A) Rates for FDSL and FDUSL
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(ii) 2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(B) In school and grace period rules
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, with respect to any Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues—
(i) prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or
(ii) during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in
shall be determined under subparagraph (A) by substituting "1.7 percent" for "2.3 percent".
(C) PLUS loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, with respect to Federal Direct PLUS Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall be determined under subparagraph (A)—
(i) by substituting "3.1 percent" for "2.3 percent"; and
(ii) by substituting "9.0 percent" for "8.25 percent".
(6) Interest rate provision for new loans on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006
(A) Rates for FDSL and FDUSL
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(ii) 2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(B) In school and grace period rules
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, with respect to any Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues—
(i) prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or
(ii) during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in
shall be determined under subparagraph (A) by substituting "1.7 percent" for "2.3 percent".
(C) PLUS loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, with respect to Federal Direct PLUS Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest shall be determined under subparagraph (A)—
(i) by substituting "3.1 percent" for "2.3 percent"; and
(ii) by substituting "9.0 percent" for "8.25 percent".
(D) Consolidation loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, any Federal Direct Consolidation loan for which the application is received on or after February 1, 1999, and before July 1, 2006, shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to the lesser of—
(i) the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of one percent; or
(ii) 8.25 percent.
(E) Temporary rules for consolidation loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, any Federal Direct Consolidation loan for which the application is received on or after October 1, 1998, and before February 1, 1999, shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to—
(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(ii) 2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(7) Interest rate provision for new loans on or after July 1, 2006 and before July 1, 2013
(A) Rates for FDSL and FDUSL
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2013, the applicable rate of interest shall be 6.8 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(B) PLUS loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, with respect to any Federal Direct PLUS loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2013, the applicable rate of interest shall be 7.9 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(C) Consolidation loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, any Federal Direct Consolidation loan for which the application is received on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2013, shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to the lesser of—
(i) the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of one percent; or
(ii) 8.25 percent.
(D) Reduced rates for undergraduate FDSL
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection and subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, for Federal Direct Stafford Loans made to undergraduate students for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2013, the applicable rate of interest shall be as follows:
(i) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2008, 6.8 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(ii) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009, 6.0 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(iii) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, 5.6 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(iv) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2010, and before July 1, 2011, 4.5 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(v) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2011, and before July 1, 2013, 3.4 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(8) Interest rate provisions for new loans on or after July 1, 2013
(A) Rates for undergraduate FDSL and FDUSL
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans issued to undergraduate students, for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2013, the applicable rate of interest shall, for loans disbursed during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to the lesser of—
(i) a rate equal to the high yield of the 10-year Treasury note auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1 plus 2.05 percent; or
(ii) 8.25 percent.
(B) Rates for graduate and professional FDUSL
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans issued to graduate or professional students, for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2013, the applicable rate of interest shall, for loans disbursed during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to the lesser of—
(i) a rate equal to the high yield of the 10-year Treasury note auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1 plus 3.6 percent; or
(ii) 9.5 percent.
(C) PLUS loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct PLUS Loans, for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2013, the applicable rate of interest shall, for loans disbursed during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to the lesser of—
(i) a rate equal to the high yield of the 10-year Treasury note auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1 plus 4.6 percent; or
(ii) 10.5 percent.
(D) Consolidation loans
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, any Federal Direct Consolidation Loan for which the application is received on or after July 1, 2013, shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of one percent.
(E) Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under this paragraph after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(F) Rate
The applicable rate of interest determined under this paragraph for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct PLUS Loan shall be fixed for the period of the loan.
(9) Repayment incentives
(A) Incentives for loans disbursed before July 1, 2012
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part 1 with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made before July 1, 2012,,2 the Secretary is authorized to prescribe by regulation such reductions in the interest rate or origination fee paid by a borrower of a loan made under this part as the Secretary determines appropriate to encourage on-time repayment of the loan. Such reductions may be offered only if the Secretary determines the reductions are cost neutral and in the best financial interest of the Federal Government. Any increase in subsidy costs resulting from such reductions shall be completely offset by corresponding savings in funds available for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program in that fiscal year from
(B) Accountability
Prior to publishing regulations proposing repayment incentives with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made before July 1, 2012, the Secretary shall ensure the cost neutrality of such reductions. The Secretary shall not prescribe such regulations in final form unless an official report from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the Secretary and a comparable report from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to the Congress each certify that any such reductions will be completely cost neutral. Such reports shall be transmitted to the authorizing committees not less than 60 days prior to the publication of regulations proposing such reductions.
(C) No repayment incentives for new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the Secretary is prohibited from authorizing or providing any repayment incentive not otherwise authorized under this part to encourage on-time repayment of a loan under this part for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after July 1, 2012, including any reduction in the interest or origination fee rate paid by a borrower of such a loan, except that the Secretary may provide for an interest rate reduction for a borrower who agrees to have payments on such a loan automatically electronically debited from a bank account.
(10) Publication
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rates of interest under this subsection after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(c) Loan fee
(1) In general
The Secretary shall charge the borrower of a loan made under this part an origination fee of 4.0 percent of the principal amount of loan.
(2) Subsequent reduction
Paragraph (1) shall be applied to loans made under this part, other than Federal Direct Consolidation loans and Federal Direct PLUS loans—
(A) by substituting "3.0 percent" for "4.0 percent" with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after February 8, 2006, and before July 1, 2007;
(B) by substituting "2.5 percent" for "4.0 percent" with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after July 1, 2007, and before July 1, 2008;
(C) by substituting "2.0 percent" for "4.0 percent" with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after July 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009;
(D) by substituting "1.5 percent" for "4.0 percent" with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after July 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010; and
(E) by substituting "1.0 percent" for "4.0 percent" with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after July 1, 2010.
(d) Repayment plans
(1) Design and selection
Consistent with criteria established by the Secretary, the Secretary shall offer a borrower of a loan made under this part a variety of plans for repayment of such loan, including principal and interest on the loan. The borrower shall be entitled to accelerate, without penalty, repayment on the borrower's loans under this part. The borrower may choose—
(A) a standard repayment plan, consistent with subsection (a)(1) of this section and with
(B) a graduated repayment plan, consistent with
(C) an extended repayment plan, consistent with
(D) an income contingent repayment plan, with varying annual repayment amounts based on the income of the borrower, paid over an extended period of time prescribed by the Secretary, not to exceed 25 years, except that the plan described in this subparagraph shall not be available to the borrower of a Federal Direct PLUS loan made on behalf of a dependent student; and
(E) beginning on July 1, 2009, an income-based repayment plan that enables borrowers who have a partial financial hardship to make a lower monthly payment in accordance with
(2) Selection by Secretary
If a borrower of a loan made under this part does not select a repayment plan described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide the borrower with a repayment plan described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1).
(3) Changes in selections
The borrower of a loan made under this part may change the borrower's selection of a repayment plan under paragraph (1), or the Secretary's selection of a plan for the borrower under paragraph (2), as the case may be, under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Secretary.
(4) Alternative repayment plans
The Secretary may provide, on a case by case basis, an alternative repayment plan to a borrower of a loan made under this part who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the terms and conditions of the repayment plans available under paragraph (1) are not adequate to accommodate the borrower's exceptional circumstances. In designing such alternative repayment plans, the Secretary shall ensure that such plans do not exceed the cost to the Federal Government, as determined on the basis of the present value of future payments by such borrowers, of loans made using the plans available under paragraph (1).
(5) Repayment after default
The Secretary may require any borrower who has defaulted on a loan made under this part to—
(A) pay all reasonable collection costs associated with such loan; and
(B) repay the loan pursuant to an income contingent repayment plan.
(e) Income contingent repayment
(1) Information and procedures
The Secretary may obtain such information as is reasonably necessary regarding the income of a borrower (and the borrower's spouse, if applicable) of a loan made under this part that is, or may be, repaid pursuant to income contingent repayment, for the purpose of determining the annual repayment obligation of the borrower. Returns and return information (as defined in
(2) Repayment based on adjusted gross income
A repayment schedule for a loan made under this part and repaid pursuant to income contingent repayment shall be based on the adjusted gross income (as defined in
(3) Additional documents
A borrower who chooses, or is required, to repay a loan made under this part pursuant to income contingent repayment, and for whom adjusted gross income is unavailable or does not reasonably reflect the borrower's current income, shall provide to the Secretary other documentation of income satisfactory to the Secretary, which documentation the Secretary may use to determine an appropriate repayment schedule.
(4) Repayment schedules
Income contingent repayment schedules shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary and shall require payments that vary in relation to the appropriate portion of the annual income of the borrower (and the borrower's spouse, if applicable) as determined by the Secretary.
(5) Calculation of balance due
The balance due on a loan made under this part that is repaid pursuant to income contingent repayment shall equal the unpaid principal amount of the loan, any accrued interest, and any fees, such as late charges, assessed on such loan. The Secretary may promulgate regulations limiting the amount of interest that may be capitalized on such loan, and the timing of any such capitalization.
(6) Notification to borrowers
The Secretary shall establish procedures under which a borrower of a loan made under this part who chooses or is required to repay such loan pursuant to income contingent repayment is notified of the terms and conditions of such plan, including notification of such borrower, that if a borrower considers that special circumstances, such as a loss of employment by the borrower or the borrower's spouse, warrant an adjustment in the borrower's loan repayment, the borrower may contact the Secretary, who shall determine whether such adjustment is appropriate, in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary.
(7) Maximum repayment period
In calculating the extended period of time for which an income contingent repayment plan under this subsection may be in effect for a borrower, the Secretary shall include all time periods during which a borrower of loans under part B, part D, or part E—
(A) is not in default on any loan that is included in the income contingent repayment plan; and
(B)(i) is in deferment due to an economic hardship described in
(ii) makes monthly payments under paragraph (1) or (6) of
(iii) makes monthly payments of not less than the monthly amount calculated under
(iv) makes payments of not less than the payments required under a standard repayment plan under
(v) makes payments under an income contingent repayment plan under subsection (d)(1)(D).
(8) Automatic recertification
(A) In general
The Secretary shall establish and implement, with respect to any borrower described in subparagraph (B), procedures to—
(i) use return information disclosed under
(ii) allow the borrower (or the spouse of the borrower), at any time, to opt out of disclosure under such section 6103(l)(13) and instead provide such information as the Secretary may require to determine the repayment obligation of the borrower (or withdraw from the repayment plan under this subsection); and
(iii) provide the borrower with an opportunity to update the return information so disclosed before the determination of the repayment obligation of the borrower.
(B) Applicability
Subparagraph (A) shall apply to each borrower of a loan made under this part who, on or after the date on which the Secretary establishes procedures under such subparagraph—
(i) selects, or is required to repay such loan pursuant to, an income-contingent repayment plan; or
(ii) recertifies income or family size under such plan.
(f) Deferment
(1) Effect on principal and interest
A borrower of a loan made under this part who meets the requirements described in paragraph (2) shall be eligible for a deferment, during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid, and interest—
(A) shall not accrue, in the case of a—
(i) Federal Direct Stafford Loan; or
(ii) a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan that consolidated only Federal Direct Stafford Loans, or a combination of such loans and Federal Stafford Loans for which the student borrower received an interest subsidy under
(B) shall accrue and be capitalized or paid by the borrower, in the case of a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan not described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
(2) Eligibility
A borrower of a loan made under this part shall be eligible for a deferment during any period—
(A) during which the borrower—
(i) is carrying at least one-half the normal full-time work load for the course of study that the borrower is pursuing, as determined by the eligible institution (as such term is defined in
(ii) is pursuing a course of study pursuant to a graduate fellowship program approved by the Secretary, or pursuant to a rehabilitation training program for individuals with disabilities approved by the Secretary,
except that no borrower shall be eligible for a deferment under this subparagraph, or a loan made under this part (other than a Federal Direct PLUS Loan or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan), while serving in a medical internship or residency program;
(B) not in excess of 3 years during which the borrower is seeking and unable to find full-time employment;
(C) during which the borrower—
(i) is serving on active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency; or
(ii) is performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency,
and for the 180-day period following the demobilization date for the service described in clause (i) or (ii); or
(D) not in excess of 3 years during which the Secretary determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed under
(3) Deferment for borrowers receiving cancer treatment
(A) Effect on principal and interest
A borrower of a loan made under this part who meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) shall be eligible for a deferment, during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid, and interest shall not accrue.
(B) Eligibility
A borrower of a loan made under this part shall be eligible for a deferment during—
(i) any period in which such borrower is receiving treatment for cancer; and
(ii) the 6 months after such period.
(C) Applicability
This paragraph shall apply with respect to loans—
(i) made on or after September 28, 2018; or
(ii) in repayment on September 28, 2018.
(4) Deferment for dislocated military spouses
(A) Duration and effect on principal and interest
A borrower of a loan made under this part who meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) shall be eligible for a deferment for an aggregate period of 180 days, during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid, and interest—
(i) shall not accrue, in the case of a—
(I) Federal Direct Stafford Loan; or
(II) a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan that consolidated only Federal Direct Stafford Loans, or a combination of such loans and Federal Stafford Loans for which the student borrower received an interest subsidy under
(ii) shall accrue and be capitalized or paid by the borrower, in the case of a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan not described in clause (i)(II).
(B) Eligibility
A borrower of a loan made under this part shall be eligible for a deferment under subparagraph (A) if the borrower—
(i) is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty; and
(ii) has experienced a loss of employment as a result of relocation to accommodate a permanent change in duty station of such member.
(C) Documentation and approval
(i) In general
A borrower may establish eligibility for a deferment under subparagraph (A) by providing to the Secretary—
(I) the documentation described in clause (ii); or
(II) such other documentation as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(ii) Documentation
The documentation described in this clause is—
(I) evidence that the borrower is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty;
(II) evidence that a military permanent change of station order was issued to such member; and
(III)(aa) evidence that the borrower is eligible for unemployment benefits due to a loss of employment resulting from relocation to accommodate such permanent change in duty station; or
(bb) a written certification, or an equivalent as approved by the Secretary, that the borrower is registered with a public or private employment agency due to a loss of employment resulting from relocation to accommodate such permanent change in duty station.
(5) "Borrower" defined
For the purpose of this subsection, the term "borrower" means an individual who is a new borrower on the date such individual applies for a loan under this part for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1993.
(6) Deferments for previous part B loan borrowers
A borrower of a loan made under this part, who at the time such individual applies for such loan, has an outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of this subchapter prior to July 1, 1993, shall be eligible for a deferment under
(g) Federal Direct Consolidation Loans
(1) In general
A borrower of a loan made under this part may consolidate such loan with the loans described in
(2) Separating joint consolidation loans
(A) In general
(i) Authorization
A married couple, or 2 individuals who were previously a married couple, and who received a joint consolidation loan as such married couple under subparagraph (C) of
(ii) Eligibility for borrowers in default
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a married couple, or 2 individuals who were previously a married couple, who are in default on a joint consolidation loan may be eligible to receive a separate Federal Direct Consolidation Loan under this part in accordance with this paragraph.
(B) Secretarial requirements
Notwithstanding
(i) make a separate Federal Direct Consolidation Loan under this part that—
(I) shall be for an amount equal to the product of—
(aa) the unpaid principal and accrued unpaid interest of the joint consolidation loan (as of the date that is the day before such separate consolidation loan is made) and any outstanding charges and fees with respect to such loan; and
(bb) the percentage of the joint consolidation loan attributable to the loans of the individual borrower for whom such separate consolidation loan is being made, as determined—
(AA) on the basis of the loan obligations of such borrower with respect to such joint consolidation loan (as of the date such joint consolidation loan was made); or
(BB) in the case in which both borrowers request, on the basis of proportions outlined in a divorce decree, court order, or settlement agreement; and
(II) has the same rate of interest as the joint consolidation loan (as of the date that is the day before such separate consolidation loan is made); and
(ii) in a timely manner, notify each individual borrower that the joint consolidation loan had been repaid and of the terms and conditions of their new loans.
(C) Application for separate direct consolidation loan
(i) Joint application
Except as provided in clause (ii), to receive separate consolidation loans under this part, both individual borrowers in a married couple (or previously married couple) shall jointly apply under subparagraph (A).
(ii) Separate application
An individual borrower in a married couple (or previously married couple) may apply for a separate consolidation loan under subparagraph (A) separately and without regard to whether or when the other individual borrower in the married couple (or previously married couple) applies under subparagraph (A), in a case in which—
(I) the individual borrower certifies to the Secretary that such borrower—
(aa) has experienced an act of domestic violence (as defined in
(bb) has experienced economic abuse (as defined in
(cc) is unable to reasonably reach or access the loan information of the other individual borrower; or
(II) the Secretary determines that authorizing each individual borrower to apply separately under subparagraph (A) would be in the best fiscal interests of the Federal Government.
(iii) Remaining obligation from separate application
In the case of an individual borrower who receives a separate consolidation loan due to the circumstances described in clause (ii), the other non-applying individual borrower shall become solely liable for the remaining balance of the joint consolidation loan.
(h) Borrower defenses
Notwithstanding any other provision of State or Federal law, the Secretary shall specify in regulations which acts or omissions of an institution of higher education a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under this part, except that in no event may a borrower recover from the Secretary, in any action arising from or relating to a loan made under this part, an amount in excess of the amount such borrower has repaid on such loan.
(i) Loan application and promissory note
The common financial reporting form required in
(j) Loan disbursement
(1) In general
Proceeds of loans to students under this part shall be applied to the student's account for tuition and fees, and, in the case of institutionally owned housing, to room and board. Loan proceeds that remain after the application of the previous sentence shall be delivered to the borrower by check or other means that is payable to and requires the endorsement or other certification by such borrower.
(2) Payment periods
The Secretary shall establish periods for the payments described in paragraph (1) in a manner consistent with payment of Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of this subchapter.
(k) Fiscal control and fund accountability
(1) In general
(A) An institution shall maintain financial records in a manner consistent with records maintained for other programs under this subchapter.
(B) Except as otherwise required by regulations of the Secretary 1 an institution may maintain loan funds under this part in the same account as other Federal student financial assistance.
(2) Payments and refunds
Payments and refunds shall be reconciled in a manner consistent with the manner set forth for the submission of a payment summary report required of institutions participating in the program under subpart 1 of part A, except that nothing in this paragraph shall prevent such reconciliations on a monthly basis.
(3) Transaction histories
All transaction histories under this part shall be maintained using the same system designated by the Secretary for the provision of Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of this subchapter.
(l) Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps student loan interest payment programs
(1) Authority
Using funds received by transfer to the Secretary under
(2) Forbearance
During the period in which the Secretary is making payments on a loan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall grant the borrower forbearance, in the form of a temporary cessation of all payments on the loan other than the payments of interest on the loan that are made under that paragraph.
(m) Repayment plan for public service employees
(1) In general
The Secretary shall cancel the balance of interest and principal due, in accordance with paragraph (2), on any eligible Federal Direct Loan not in default for a borrower who—
(A) has made 120 monthly payments on the eligible Federal Direct Loan after October 1, 2007, pursuant to any one or a combination of the following—
(i) payments under an income-based repayment plan under
(ii) payments under a standard repayment plan under subsection (d)(1)(A), based on a 10-year repayment period;
(iii) monthly payments under a repayment plan under subsection (d)(1) or (g) of not less than the monthly amount calculated under subsection (d)(1)(A), based on a 10-year repayment period; or
(iv) payments under an income contingent repayment plan under subsection (d)(1)(D); and
(B)(i) is employed in a public service job at the time of such forgiveness; and
(ii) has been employed in a public service job during the period in which the borrower makes each of the 120 payments described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Loan cancellation amount
After the conclusion of the employment period described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall cancel the obligation to repay the balance of principal and interest due as of the time of such cancellation, on the eligible Federal Direct Loans made to the borrower under this part.
(3) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Eligible Federal Direct Loan
The term "eligible Federal Direct Loan" means a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan.
(B) Public service job
The term "public service job" means—
(i) a full-time job in emergency management, government (excluding time served as a member of Congress), military service, public safety, law enforcement, public health (including nurses, nurse practitioners, nurses in a clinical setting, and full-time professionals engaged in health care practitioner occupations and health care support occupations, as such terms are defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), public education, social work in a public child or family service agency, public interest law services (including prosecution or public defense or legal advocacy on behalf of low-income communities at a nonprofit organization), early childhood education (including licensed or regulated childcare, Head Start, and State funded prekindergarten), public service for individuals with disabilities, public service for the elderly, public library sciences, school-based library sciences and other school-based services, or at an organization that is described in
(ii) teaching as a full-time faculty member at a Tribal College or University as defined in
(4) Ineligibility for double benefits
No borrower may, for the same service, receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this subsection and
(n) Identity fraud protection
The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that monthly Federal Direct Loan statements and other publications of the Department do not contain more than four digits of the Social Security number of any individual.
(o) No accrual of interest for active duty service members
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part and in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (4), interest shall not accrue for an eligible military borrower on a loan made under this part for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 2008.
(2) Consolidation loans
In the case of any consolidation loan made under this part that is disbursed on or after October 1, 2008, interest shall not accrue pursuant to this subsection only on such portion of such loan as was used to repay a loan made under this part for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 2008.
(3) Eligible military borrower
In this subsection, the term "eligible military borrower" means an individual who—
(A)(i) is serving on active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency; or
(ii) is performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency; and
(B) is serving in an area of hostilities in which service qualifies for special pay under section 310, or paragraph (1) or (3) of
(4) Limitation
An individual who qualifies as an eligible military borrower under this subsection may receive the benefit of this subsection for not more than 60 months.
(p) Disclosures
Each institution of higher education with which the Secretary has an agreement under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Subparagraph (C) of
Amendments
2023—Subsec. (f)(4) to (6).
2022—Subsec. (g).
2020—Subsec. (l).
Subsec. (l)(1).
Subsec. (q).
2019—Subsec. (e)(6).
"(A) that the Internal Revenue Service will disclose to the Secretary tax return information as authorized under
"(B) that if a borrower"
and struck out "as determined using the information described in subparagraph (A), or the alternative documentation described in paragraph (3)" after "borrower's loan repayment".
Subsec. (e)(8).
2018—Subsec. (f)(3) to (5).
2016—Subsec. (o)(3)(B).
2013—Subsec. (b)(7).
Subsec. (b)(7)(A) to (C).
Subsec. (b)(8) to (10).
2012—Subsec. (b)(7)(D).
Subsec. (b)(7)(D)(v).
Subsec. (q).
2011—Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b)(8)(A).
Subsec. (b)(8)(B).
Subsec. (b)(8)(C).
2010—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (g).
2009—Subsec. (d)(1)(C).
Subsec. (h).
Subsec. (k)(1)(B).
2008—Subsec. (b)(8)(B).
Subsec. (d)(1)(E).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (m)(3)(B).
"(i) a full-time job in emergency management, government, military service, public safety, law enforcement, public health, public education (including early childhood education), social work in a public child or family service agency, public interest law services (including prosecution or public defense or legal advocacy in low-income communities at a nonprofit organization), public child care, public service for individuals with disabilities, public service for the elderly, public library sciences, school-based library sciences and other school-based services, or at an organization that is described in
"(ii) teaching as a full-time faculty member at a Tribal College or University as defined in
Subsec. (m)(4).
Subsec. (n).
Subsec. (o).
Subsec. (p).
2007—Subsec. (b)(7)(D).
Subsec. (d)(1)(D).
Subsec. (e)(7).
Subsec. (f)(2)(C).
Subsec. (m).
2006—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2)(C), (D).
Subsec. (b)(8)(A).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d)(1)(A) to (C).
"(A) a standard repayment plan, with a fixed annual repayment amount paid over a fixed period of time, consistent with subsection (a)(1) of this section;
"(B) an extended repayment plan, with a fixed annual repayment amount paid over an extended period of time, except that the borrower shall annually repay a minimum amount determined by the Secretary in accordance with
"(C) a graduated repayment plan, with annual repayment amounts established at 2 or more graduated levels and paid over a fixed or extended period of time, except that the borrower's scheduled payments shall not be less than 50 percent, nor more than 150 percent, of what the amortized payment on the amount owed would be if the loan were repaid under the standard repayment plan; and".
Subsec. (f)(2)(C), (D).
Subsec. (g).
2002—Subsec. (b)(6) to (9).
Subsec. (l).
2000—Subsec. (b)(4)(A).
"(i) the bond equivalent rate of 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
"(ii) 3.1 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent."
1998—Subsec. (b)(5).
Subsec. (b)(6).
Subsec. (b)(7).
Subsec. (g).
Subsecs. (j)(2), (k)(3).
1994—Subsec. (f)(3), (4).
1993—
1992—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2023 Amendment
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Amendment by
[Effective date of title VII of div. FF of
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Amendment by sections 201(b), 202(b), 205, and 401 of
Amendment by section 203(b)(3) of
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Amendment by
Amendment by section 8007(b) of
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by sections 401(g)(6) and 452(b), (c) of
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
Construction of 2006 Amendment
Nothing in amendment by section 8007(b) of
Limitation on Consolidation Loans During Temporary Interest Rate
Executive Documents
Continued Student Loan Payment Relief During the COVID–19 Pandemic
Memorandum of President of the United States, Aug. 8, 2020, 85 F.R. 49585, provided:
Memorandum for the Secretary of Education
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
On March 20, 2020, my Administration took action to provide immediate relief to tens of millions of student loan borrowers during the pandemic caused by COVID–19 by both suspending loan payments and temporarily setting interest rates to 0 percent. This relief has helped many students and parents retain financial stability. And many other Americans have continued to routinely pay down their student loan balances, to more quickly eliminate their loans in the long run. During this time, borrowers have been able to determine the best path forward for themselves.
The original announcement of this policy specified that it would continue for at least 60 days. In the interim, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act [
(b) All persons who wish to continue making student loan payments shall be allowed to do so, notwithstanding the deferments provided pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
Donald J. Trump.
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
2 So in original. The second comma probably should not appear.
§1087f. Contracts
(a) Contracts for supplies and services
(1) In general
The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, award contracts for origination, servicing, and collection described in subsection (b). In awarding such contracts, the Secretary shall ensure that such services and supplies are provided at competitive prices.
(2) Entities
The entities with which the Secretary may enter into contracts shall include only entities which the Secretary determines are qualified to provide such services and supplies and will comply with the procedures applicable to the award of such contracts. In the case of awarding contracts for the origination, servicing, and collection of loans under this part, the Secretary shall enter into contracts only with entities that have extensive and relevant experience and demonstrated effectiveness. The entities with which the Secretary may enter into such contracts shall include, where practicable, agencies with agreements with the Secretary under sections 1078(b) and (c) of this title, if such agencies meet the qualifications as determined by the Secretary under this subsection and if those agencies have such experience and demonstrated effectiveness. In awarding contracts to such State agencies, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable and consistent with the purposes of this part, give special consideration to State agencies with a history of high quality performance to perform services for institutions of higher education within their State.
(3) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation of the authority of any State agency to enter into an agreement for the purposes of this section as a member of a consortium of State agencies.
(b) Contracts for origination, servicing, and data systems
The Secretary may enter into contracts for—
(1) the alternative origination of loans to students attending institutions of higher education with agreements to participate in the program under this part (or their parents), if such institutions do not have agreements with the Secretary under
(2) the servicing and collection of loans made or purchased under this part;
(3) the establishment and operation of 1 or more data systems for the maintenance of records on all loans made or purchased under this part; and
(4) such other aspects of the direct student loan program as the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure the successful operation of the program.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2013—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (c).
2010—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (c).
2008—Subsec. (b)(2), (3).
1998—Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (b)(4), (5).
1993—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section effective Oct. 1, 1992, see section 2 of
Selection of Student Loan Servicer
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:
§1087g. Repealed. Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, §404(b)(3), July 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 1946
Section,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of
§1087h. Funds for administrative expenses
(a) Administrative expenses
(1) Mandatory funds for fiscal year 2006
For fiscal year 2006, there shall be available to the Secretary, from funds not otherwise appropriated, funds to be obligated for—
(A) administrative costs under this part and part B, including the costs of the direct student loan programs under this part; and
(B) account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies under part B and calculated in accordance with subsections (b) and (c),
not to exceed (from such funds not otherwise appropriated) $820,000,000 in fiscal year 2006.
(2) Repealed. Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, title V, §502(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1187
(3) Authorization for administrative costs beginning in fiscal years 2007 through 2014
For each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2014, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for administrative costs under this part and part B, including the costs of the direct student loan programs under this part.
(4) Continuing mandatory funds for account maintenance fees
For each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2021,1 there shall be available to the Secretary, from funds not otherwise appropriated, funds to be obligated for account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies under part B and calculated in accordance with subsection (b).
(5) Account maintenance fees
Account maintenance fees under paragraph (3) 2 shall be paid quarterly and deposited in the Agency Operating Fund established under
(6) Technical assistance to institutions of higher education
(A) Provision of assistance
The Secretary shall provide institutions of higher education participating, or seeking to participate, in the loan programs under this part with technical assistance in establishing and administering such programs.
(B) Funds
There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, to carry out this paragraph (in addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out this paragraph and out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated), $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
(C) Definition
In this paragraph, the term "assistance" means the provision of technical support, training, materials, technical assistance, and financial assistance.
(7) Additional payments
(A) Provision of assistance
The Secretary shall provide payments to loan servicers for retaining jobs at locations in the United States where such servicers were operating under part B on January 1, 2010.
(B) Funds
There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, to carry out this paragraph (in addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out this paragraph and out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated), $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.
(8) Carryover
The Secretary may carry over funds made available under this section to a subsequent fiscal year.
(b) Calculation basis
Account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies under subsection (a)(4) shall be calculated on the basis of 0.06 percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans on which insurance was issued under part B.
(c) Budget justification
No funds may be expended under this section unless the Secretary includes in the Department of Education's annual budget justification to Congress a detailed description of the specific activities for which the funds made available by this section have been used in the prior and current years (if applicable), the activities and costs planned for the budget year, and the projection of activities and costs for each remaining year for which administrative expenses under this section are made available.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Paragraph (3), referred to in subsec. (a)(5), was redesignated par. (4) by
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (a)(4).
2019—Subsec. (a)(4).
2018—Subsec. (a)(4).
2017—Subsec. (a)(4).
2015—Subsec. (a)(4).
2013—Subsec. (a)(2).
2010—Subsec. (a)(2) to (8).
Subsec. (b).
2008—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
2007—Subsec. (b).
2006—
Subsec. (b).
1998—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
1997—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(1).
1995—Subsec. (a).
1993—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section effective Oct. 1, 1992, see section 2 of
Construction
Funds for Account Maintenance Fees
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:
Use of Funds for Administrative Expenses of William D. Ford Direct Loan Program Prohibited
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation act:
1 See Funds for Account Maintenance Fees note below.
2 See References in Text note below.
§1087i. Authority to sell loans
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, is authorized to sell loans made under this part on such terms as the Secretary determines are in the best interest of the United States, except that any such sale shall not result in any cost to the Federal Government. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the proceeds of any such sale may be used by the Secretary to offer reductions in the interest rate paid by a borrower of a loan made under this part as the Secretary determines appropriate to encourage on-time repayment in accordance with
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1087i,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in
§1087i–1. Temporary authority to purchase student loans
(a) Authority to purchase
(1) Authority; determination required
Upon a determination by the Secretary that there is an inadequate availability of loan capital to meet the demand for loans under
(2) Federal Register notice
The Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall jointly publish a notice in the Federal Register prior to any purchase of loans under paragraph (1) that—
(A) establishes the terms and conditions governing the purchases authorized by paragraph (1);
(B) includes an outline of the methodology and factors that the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, will jointly consider in evaluating the price at which to purchase loans made under
(C) describes how the use of such methodology and consideration of such factors used to determine purchase price will ensure that loan purchases do not result in any net cost to the Federal Government (including the cost of servicing the loans purchased).
(3) Temporary authority to purchase rehabilitated loans
(A) Authority
In addition to the authority described in paragraph (1), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, is authorized to purchase, or enter into forward commitments to purchase, from any eligible lender (as defined in
(B) Federal Register notice
The Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall jointly publish a notice in the Federal Register prior to any purchase of loans under this paragraph that—
(i) establishes the terms and conditions governing the purchases authorized by this paragraph;
(ii) includes an outline of the methodology and factors that the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget will jointly consider in evaluating the price at which to purchase loans rehabilitated pursuant to
(iii) describes how the use of such methodology and consideration of such factors used to determine purchase price will ensure that loan purchases do not result in any net cost to the Federal Government (including the cost of servicing the loans purchased).
(b) Proceeds
The Secretary shall require, as a condition of any purchase under subsection (a), that the funds paid by the Secretary to any eligible lender under this section be used—
(1) to ensure continued participation of such lender in the Federal student loan programs authorized under part B of this subchapter; and
(2)(A) in the case of loans purchased pursuant to subsection (a)(1), to originate new Federal loans to students, as authorized under part B of this subchapter; or
(B) in the case of loans purchased pursuant to subsection (a)(3), to originate such new Federal loans to students, or to purchase loans in accordance with
(c) Maintaining servicing arrangements
The Secretary may, if agreed upon by an eligible lender selling loans under this section, contract with such lender for the servicing of the loans purchased, provided that—
(1) the cost of such servicing arrangement does not exceed the cost the Federal Government would otherwise incur for the servicing of loans purchased, as determined under subsection (a); and
(2) such servicing arrangement is in the best interest of the borrowers whose loans are purchased.
(d) Guaranty agency responsibilities and payments
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, beginning on the date on which the Secretary purchases a loan under this section—
(1) the guaranty agency that insured such loan shall cease to have any obligations, responsibilities, or rights (including rights to any payment) under this chapter for any activity related to the administration of such loan that is carried out or required to be carried out on or after the date of such purchase; and
(2) the insurance issued by such agency pursuant to
(e) Reports and cost estimates
The Secretary shall prepare, transmit to the authorizing committees, and make available to the public, the following:
(1) Quarterly reports
(A) Contents
Not later than 60 days after the end of each quarter during the period beginning July 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2010, a quarterly report on—
(i) the number of loans the Secretary has agreed to purchase, or has purchased, using the authority provided under this section, and the total amount of outstanding principal and accrued interest of such loans, during such period; and
(ii) the number of loans in which the Secretary has purchased a participation interest, and the total amount of outstanding principal and accrued interest of such loans, during such period.
(B) Disaggregated information
For each quarterly report, the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall be disaggregated by lender and, for each lender, by category of institution (using the categories described in
(2) Estimates of purchase program costs
Not later than February 15, 2011, an estimate of the costs associated with the program of purchasing loans described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) during the period beginning July 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2010, and an estimate of the costs associated with the program of purchasing a participation interest in loans described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) during such period. Each such estimate shall—
(A) contain the same level of detail, and be reported in a similar manner, as the budget estimates provided for the loan program under part B and the direct student loan program under this part in the President's annual budget submission to Congress, except that current and future administrative costs shall also be reported;
(B) include an estimate of the gross and net outlays that have been, or will be, incurred by the Federal Government (including subsidy and administrative costs, and any payments made by the Department to lenders, trusts, or other entities related to such activities) in purchasing such loans or purchasing a participation interest in such loans during such period (as applicable); and
(C) include a comparison of—
(i) the average amount of the gross and net outlays (including costs and payments) described in subparagraph (B) for each $100 of loans purchased or for which a participation interest was purchased (as applicable) during such period, disaggregated by type of loan; with
(ii) the average amount of such gross and net outlays (including costs and payments) to the Federal Government for each $100 of comparable loans made under this part and part B during such period, disaggregated by part and by type of loan.
(3) Annual cost estimates
Not later than February 15 of the fiscal year following each of the fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, an annual estimate of the costs associated with the program of purchasing loans described in paragraph (1)(A)(i), and an annual estimate of the costs associated with the program of purchasing a participation interest in loans described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), that includes the information described in paragraph (2) for such fiscal year.
(f) Expiration of authority
The Secretary's authority to purchase loans under this section shall expire on July 1, 2010.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2009—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b).
2008—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsecs. (d), (e).
Subsec. (e)(1)(A).
Subsec. (e)(2).
Subsec. (e)(3).
Subsec. (f).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Amendment by
§1087i–2. Temporary loan consolidation authority
(a) Temporary loan consolidation authority
(1) In general
A borrower who has 1 or more loans in 2 or more of the categories described in paragraph (2), and who has not yet entered repayment on 1 or more of those loans in any of the categories, may consolidate all of the loans of the borrower that are described in paragraph (2) into a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan during the period described in paragraph (3).
(2) Categories of loans that may be consolidated
The categories of loans that may be consolidated under paragraph (1) are—
(A) loans made under this part;
(B) loans purchased by the Secretary pursuant to
(C) loans made under part B that are held by an eligible lender, as such term is defined in
(3) Time period in which loans may be consolidated
The Secretary may make a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan under this section to a borrower whose application for such Federal Direct Consolidation Loan is received on or after July 1, 2010, and before July 1, 2011.
(b) Terms of loans
A Federal Direct Consolidation Loan made under this section shall have the same terms and conditions as a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan made under
(1) in determining the applicable rate of interest on the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan made under this section (other than on a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan described in paragraph (2)),
(2) if a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan made under this section that repays a loan which is subject to an interest rate determined under
(A) by using the applicable rate of interest described in
(B) in accordance with
(
§1087j. Loan cancellation for teachers
(a) Statement of purpose
It is the purpose of this section to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession.
(b) Program authorized
The Secretary shall carry out a program of canceling the obligation to repay a qualified loan amount in accordance with subsection (c) for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made under this part for any new borrower on or after October 1, 1998, who—
(1) has been employed as a full-time teacher for 5 consecutive complete school years—
(A) in a school or location that qualifies under
(B) if employed as an elementary school or secondary school teacher, is highly qualified as defined in section 9101 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [
(2) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks forgiveness.
(c) Qualified loan amounts
(1) In general
The Secretary shall cancel not more than $5,000 in the aggregate of the loan obligation on a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that is outstanding after the completion of the fifth complete school year of teaching described in subsection (b)(1). No borrower may receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this section and
(2) Treatment of consolidation loans
A loan amount for a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan may be a qualified loan amount for the purposes of this subsection only to the extent that such loan amount was used to repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a loan made under
(3) Additional amounts for teachers in mathematics, science, or special education
Notwithstanding the amount specified in paragraph (1), the aggregate amount that the Secretary shall cancel under this section shall be not more than $17,500 in the case of—
(A) a secondary school teacher—
(i) who meets the requirements of subsection (b); and
(ii) whose qualifying employment for purposes of such subsection is teaching mathematics or science on a full-time basis; and
(B) an elementary school or secondary school teacher—
(i) who meets the requirements of subsection (b);
(ii) whose qualifying employment for purposes of such subsection is as a special education teacher whose primary responsibility is to provide special education to children with disabilities (as those terms are defined in
(iii) who, as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public or non-profit private elementary school or secondary school in which the borrower is employed, or, in the case of a teacher who is employed by an educational service agency, as certified by the chief administrative officer of such agency, is teaching children with disabilities that correspond with the borrower's special education training and has demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in the content areas of the elementary school or secondary school curriculum that the borrower is teaching.
(d) Regulations
The Secretary is authorized to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(e) Construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any refunding of any canceled loan.
(f) List
If the list of schools in which a teacher may perform service pursuant to subsection (b) is not available before May 1 of any year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year for which the determination is made to make such service determination.
(g) Additional eligibility provisions
(1) Continued eligibility
Any teacher who performs service in a school that—
(A) meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A) in any year during such service; and
(B) in a subsequent year fails to meet the requirements of such subsection, may continue to teach in such school and shall be eligible for loan cancellation pursuant to subsection (b).
(2) Prevention of double benefits
No borrower may, for the same voluntary service, receive a benefit under both this section and—
(A)
(B)
(C) subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (
(3) Private school teachers
An individual who is employed as a teacher in a private school and is exempt from State certification requirements (unless otherwise applicable under State law), may, in lieu of the requirement of subsection (b)(1)(B), have such employment treated as qualifying employment under this section if such individual is permitted to and does satisfy rigorous subject knowledge and skills tests by taking competency tests in the applicable grade levels and subject areas. For such purposes, the competency tests taken by such a private school teacher shall be recognized by 5 or more States for the purpose of fulfilling the highly qualified teacher requirements under section 9101 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [
(h) "Year" defined
For the purpose of this section, the term "year" where applied to service as a teacher means an academic year as defined by the Secretary.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1)(B) and (g)(3), was amended by
The National and Community Service Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (g)(2)(D), is
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1087j,
Amendments
2009—Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (g)(2).
2008—Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(i).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(i), (B)(i).
Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii).
Subsec. (g)(2).
Subsec. (g)(3).
2006—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ii).
Subsec. (g)(3).
2004—Subsec. (b)(1)(A).
"(ii) if employed as a secondary school teacher, is teaching a subject area that is relevant to the borrower's academic major as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public or non-profit private secondary school in which the borrower is employed; and
"(iii) if employed as an elementary school teacher, has demonstrated, as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public or nonprofit private elementary school in which the borrower is employed, knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics and other areas of the elementary school curriculum; and".
Subsec. (c)(3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment; Transition Rule
Amendment by section 3(b)(2) of
For transition rules relating to amendments made by section 3(a)(1)(B) of
Effective Date
Section effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in