B次元

Direct Loans are designed by the federal government to assist students in obtaining the education and skills needed to further their careers and personal aspirations. Eligibility for the federal direct loans are determined from the information provided on the FAFSA.

The low-interest loans are for students to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education, though most of the contact will be with your loan servicer and awarded and disbursed by B次元.

Once a loan has been offered
To complete your Direct Loan application the following steps need to be taken:

1. Using B次元鈥檚 , you can review and accept or decline the loan(s).
2. All first time borrowers or students with loans through previous colleges will need to complete both an Entrance Counseling Session and a Master Promissory Note online.
   1. Go to
   2. Sign in
   3. Complete the Entrance Counseling
   4. Complete Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Direct PLUS Loan
The Direct PLUS Loan is an alternative loan option available through the US Department of Education to assist families with educational expenses. Parents can apply for up to cost of education minus financial aid received by the student.

In order to be considered for the Direct PLUS Loan, a FAFSA for the current school year must be completed. The parent borrower makes application for the Direct PLUS Loan at indicating the amount he/she wishes to borrow. Once approved, additional processing will be performed by the school. If the parent is denied, the student is eligible to receive an additional $4000 in the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

For more information about the Direct PLUS Loan, including repayment options and interest rates, please review

Note: You can always cancel/reduce or return loan funds if you do not wish to borrow the original amount awarded or accepted.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have additional questions or concerns about Direct Loan options at sfs@mariacollege.edu or (518) 861-2586.

Federal Student Aid Changes Starting Fall 2026 

Changes to federal financial aid eligibility and Direct Loan programs are coming as of July 1, 2026. These changes may impact how you and your family have been funding your college costs up until now. Student Financial Services wants to be sure that all students and their families are aware of the forthcoming changes so you can be prepared for Fall 2026 and beyond.

Please review this message carefully, as it outlines how the new rules may apply to you.

Important Notes:

• The information below reflects the most current guidance available but is subject to change. We will continue to keep you informed as additional guidance becomes available.

Undergraduate Student Changes:

• Parent PLUS loan borrowers will be limited to $20,000 a year per student.
• Parent PLUS loan borrowers’ lifetime aggregate limit will be $65,000 per student.
• Direct student loan offers will be prorated for students who are enrolled less than full time.
• Students with an SAI that is equal to or greater than twice the amount of the maximum Pell Grant award will no longer be eligible for the Pell Grant during that academic year.
• Students who receive scholarships or grants that exceed their total cost of attendance (COA) will lose their Pell grant eligibility for that academic year.
• The net worth of certain family farms and small businesses will be excluded from the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation
• Foreign income will be included in the adjusted gross income (AGI) when determining Pell grant eligibility.

Graduate/Professional Student Changes:

• The Graduate PLUS loan will no longer be available to new borrowers.
• Direct Unsubsidized borrowing limits remain $20,500 annually with a maximum of $100,000 per non-professional student.
• Direct Unsubsidized borrowing limits will be $50,000 annually with a maximum of $200,000 per professional student.
• Direct student loan offers will be prorated for students who are enrolled less than full time.
• The maximum lifetime aggregate per student borrower will be $257,500.

Borrowers who have received a loan for a program that has already started as of June 30, 2026, will be exempt from the above borrowing caps for up to 3 years as they complete their program.

B次元 is committed to providing guidance and resources to assist you in making a financial plan to cover your educational costs. You can reach us in person weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and online through our for extended hours and remote appointments.