Securing funding for your graduate or professional degree is an important step. Nova Southeastern University offers a variety of loan options to help you cover educational costs. From federal loan programs designed to support graduate students to specialized health professions loans and private alternatives, we provide multiple avenues to assist you in financing your education. Carefully review the details of each loan type to determine the best fit for your financial needs and goals.
Federal Student Loan Changes: 2026-27
Federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made significant changes to the Federal Direct Loan Program. The federal loans available to you, as well as your annual and aggregate borrowing limits, depend on whether you are classified as a legacy borrower. Legacy borrowers may qualify for interim exception eligibility, which allows them to access different loan options and borrowing limits than non-legacy borrowers for up to three years or your remaining expected time to credential, whichever is less.
Are you a Legacy Borrower?
Students who meet the following criteria are considered legacy borrowers:
- enrolled in a program of study as of June 30, 2026 and remain enrolled in the same program of study beyond July 1, 2026; and
- had a Federal Direct Loan disbursement for the program of study prior to July 1, 2026
Withdrawing or ceasing to be enrolled after receiving the interim exception will disqualify the student. In other words, if you take a break in enrollment you will lose your legacy status, unless you are under an approved Title IV Leave of Absence.
Federal Loan Programs - For Legacy Borrowers (Pre-OBBBA)
Eligibility
- Complete FAFSA
- Financial need is not a requirement.
- Must be enrolled at least half-time
- Part-time students receive a prorated (reduced) amount based on their enrollment level.
- Must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling prior to first disbursement
- Exit Interview required after student drops below half time
Interest Rates
- Fixed interest rate of 8.07 percent for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2027
- Borrower is responsible for interest during life of the loan.
Loan Fees
|
First Disbursement Date |
Loan Fee |
|---|---|
|
On or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2027 |
1.057 percent |
Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) & Entrance Counseling
Once the Federal Direct Loan has been awarded and guaranteed, the Department of Education will send you a notification to complete the MPN and entrance counseling. Loan funds will not be disbursed until the borrower completes these steps.
You are only required to complete an MPN one time as it can be used for up to 10 years of borrowing for educational expenses. A new MPN must be signed is if you cease enrollment for one full academic year or if your MPN has expired after 10 years. Each academic year, all students using the MPN will be notified of their loan eligibility.
Complete MPN Complete Entrance Counseling
Annual Loan Limits
|
Student Type |
Limit for Unsubsidized Loans |
|
Graduate and professional students |
$20,500 |
|
Doctor of Allopathic Medicine; Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; Doctor of Dentistry; Doctor of Optometry |
$40,500 |
|
Doctor of Pharmacy; Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology |
$33,000 |
Aggregate Loan Limits
|
Student Type |
Combined Base Limit for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans |
Additional Limit for Unsubsidized Loans |
Total Limit for Unsubsidized Loans (minus subsidized amounts) |
|
Graduate and professional students |
$65,500 (including undergraduate loans) |
$73,000 |
$138,500 |
|
Doctor of Allopathic Medicine; Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; Doctor of Dentistry; Doctor of Optometry; Doctor of Pharmacy; Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology |
$65,500 (including undergraduate loans) |
$158,500 |
$224,000 |
Repayment
Student does not have to pay the principal while enrolled at least half-time, but will be charged interest. Student can defer interest but it will be capitalized (added to principal loan balance) later. For information on minimizing your student loan debt by making interest payments while in school, view the Unsubsidized Direct Loan Scenarios.
Legacy Provision: If a student has a Federal Direct Loan made before July 1, 2026, the student can continue to borrow from the program for 3 academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less, while remaining enrolled in the same program of study.
Program Details
Only awarded to the following independent students:
- Doctor of Pharmacy; Doctor of Clinical Psychology:
- $12,500-9 mo. period
- $16,667-12 mo. period
- Doctor of Allopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Dentistry and Optometry:
- $20,000-9 mo. period
- $26,667-12 mo. period
Eligibility
- Complete FAFSA
- Financial need is not a requirement
- Part-time students receive a prorated (reduced) amount based on their enrollment level.
- Must be enrolled at least half-time
- Must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling prior to first disbursement.
- Exit Interview required after student drops below half time.
Interest Rates
- Fixed interest rate of 8.07 percent for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2027
Loan Fees
|
First Disbursement Date |
Loan Fee |
|---|---|
|
On or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2027 |
1.057 percent |
Master Promissory Note
Once the Federal Direct Loan has been awarded and guaranteed, the Department of Education will send you a notification to complete the MPN. Loan funds will not be disbursed until the borrower completes the MPN.
You are only required to complete an MPN one time as it can be used for up to 10 years of borrowing for educational expenses. A new MPN must be signed if you cease enrollment for one full academic year or if your MPN has expired after 10 years. Each academic year, all students using the MPN will be notified of their loan eligibility.
Annual/Aggregate Loan Limits
- Maximum loan limits: Unsubsidized loan limits plus additional loan amounts.
Repayment
Student does not have to pay the principal if enrolled at least half-time, but will be charged interest. Student can defer interest but it will be capitalized (added to principal loan balance) later.
Legacy Provision: If a student has a Federal Direct Loan made before July 1, 2026, the student can continue to borrow from the program for 3 academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less, while remaining enrolled in the same program of study.
Eligibility
- Complete FAFSA
- Must be enrolled at least half time
- Part-time students receive a prorated (reduced) amount based on their enrollment level.
- Annual maximum loan eligibility under the Federal Direct Subsidized and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program must be met
- No annual or aggregate amounts, except student may not borrow more than the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and other financial aid the student expects to receive
- Contingent upon credit approval
- Must complete Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling prior to first disbursement
- For more information, visit Federal Student Aid.
Interest Rates
- Fixed interest rate of 9.07 percent for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2027
- Interest accrues as soon as the first disbursement is made.
Loan Fees
| First Disbursement Date | Loan Fee |
|---|---|
| On or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2027 | 4.228 percent |
Loan Limits
- Maximum amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives; no minimum award amount.
Repayment
Please visit studentaid.gov for detailed information or contact the lender.
Apply for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
- Online PLUS Request Process available through the Department of Education. Students will need their FSA ID to log in to the Department of Education's secure site.
Federal Loan Programs - For Non-Legacy Borrowers
Eligibility
- Complete FAFSA
- Financial need is not a requirement.
- Must be enrolled at least half-time
- Part-time students receive a prorated (reduced) amount based on their enrollment level.
- Must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling prior to first disbursement
- Exit Interview required after student drops below half time
Interest Rates
- Fixed interest rate of 8.07 percent for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2027
- Borrower is responsible for interest during life of the loan.
Loan Fees
- 1.057 percent for loans disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2027
Direct Loan MPN & Entrance Counseling
Once the Federal Direct Loan has been awarded and guaranteed, the Department of Education will send you a notification to complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling. Loan funds will not be disbursed until the borrower completes these steps.
You are only required to complete an MPN one time as it can be used for up to 10 years of borrowing for educational expenses. A new MPN must be signed is if you cease enrollment for one full academic year or if your MPN has expired after 10 years. Each academic year, all students using the MPN will be notified of their loan eligibility.
Complete MPN Complete Entrance Counseling
Annual Loan Limits
- Graduate Students: $20,500 per year
- Professional Students: $50,000 per year
The following NSU programs qualify for the professional program caps listed:
- Doctor of Allopathic Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D)
- Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Doctor in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)
- Doctor in School Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Law (J.D.)
- Specialist in School Psychology (Psy.S.)
Aggregate Loan Limits
- Graduate Students: $100,000 per year (includes only graduate level borrowing)
- Professional Students: $200,000 per year (includes graduate and professional level borrowing)
New Federal Loan Program Lifetime Limit
- $257,500.00 includes all student loan borrowing at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels
- includes loans that have been repaid, forgiven, or discharged
- excludes Parent PLUS loans, consolidation, and HEAL loans.
Repayment
Student does not have to pay the principal while enrolled at least half-time, but will be charged interest. Student can defer interest but it will be capitalized (added to principal loan balance) later. For information on minimizing your student loan debt by making interest payments while in school, view the Unsubsidized Direct Loan Scenarios.
Washington state residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to their student loans or student loan servicer may visit https://www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the student loan advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.
Non-Profit Organization Loans
Many borrowers are aware of the Federal Student Aid program, but few realize that non-profit organizations also provide education loan options. Because loan offerings and eligibility requirements vary widely by state and organization, borrowers should carefully review the specific terms and conditions of any program they may qualify for by visiting the link below.
Explore State Financial Aid Programs
Alternative/Private Loans
Alternative (private) loans offer additional financing options for graduate and professional students. These loans are provided by banks, credit unions, and other private lenders. While they can help cover educational costs, it's essential to explore federal loan options first due to potential benefits such as an income-driven repayment plan, fixed and often lower interest rates, and options for deferment or forbearance during financial hardship.
- Credit History: Most lenders require a satisfactory credit history. Some loans may require a cosigner.
- Loan Certification: Your school must certify your loan before funds are disbursed.
- Interest Rates: Rates vary based on creditworthiness. Compare multiple lenders for the best options.
- Loan Limits: Not based on financial need, but cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
- Repayment: Length of repayment varies by lender.
NSU has also compiled a list of lenders previously used by our students. This list is not all-inclusive and does not represent an endorsement of any specific lender. NSU will certify private loans from any lender upon request.
NSU encourages students to maximize their federal loan eligibility before utilizing private student loans to fund their educational expenses.
NSU FastChoice Lenders FastChoice How-Tos
Check My Federal Student Loan Borrowing History
NSU Payment Plans
Need help covering the full cost of tuition? NSU Payment Plans offer a flexible option to spread out your balance over several installments. This can provide much-needed relief while you focus on your studies.
Learn More About NSU Payment Plans
Maximize Your Future by Minimizing Your Debt
NSU has a dedicated debt management staff that assists students with understanding the long term implications of borrowing money and provides one-on-one and/or group counseling on strategic borrowing, loan repayment options, effective budgeting, and credit card smarts.
Contact Us
Horvitz Administration Building
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(954) 262-3380
800-806-3680