What is a Federal Direct Loan?

Written by Shannon Vasconceloson May 19th, 2021

Shannon Vasconcelos has worked in student financial assistance at Boston University and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she served as the assistant director of financial aid. At Tufts, she was responsible for reviewing financial aid applications, determining financial aid awards, and helping families through the college financing process. In addition, Shannon has served as an active member of the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator’s Early Awareness and Outreach Committee, as a trainer for the Department of Education’s National Training for Counselors and Mentors, and as a volunteer for FAFSA Day Massachusetts. She has a BA in economics from the University of Massachusetts and an MA in urban and environmental policy and planning from Tufts University.

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With the decision deadline of May 1 in the rearview mirror many families are trying to figure out ways to cover unmet college costs. Did your student receive a federal direct loan on their financial aid award letter? Parents, are you considering borrowing from the Parent PLUS Loan Program to finance your share of the tuition bill? In this video, finance educator Shannon Vasconcelos explains what it means to borrow a direct loan. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to keep up to date on all the latest college planning tips from our college admissions and finance experts.

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Written by Shannon Vasconceloson May 19th, 2021

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