Many of our students find loans to be an important tool to help finance their education at Lewis & Clark. We recommend that students budget carefully and borrow conservatively.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- 7.94% fixed interest rate for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
- Unsubsidized: interest starts accruing immediately after the loan is posted to the student’s account.
- Not need-based; $20,500 annual borrowing limit.
- Learn more about Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students
- 8.94% fixed interest rate for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
- Effective July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS Loan program is being eliminated. (Exceptions apply for current students who borrow a Federal Direct Loan prior to 7/1/26; more details are forthcoming.) Private Loans are an alternative option; see below for more information.
- Unsubsidized: interest starts accruing immediately after the loan is posted to the student’s account..
- Not need-based; may borrow up to Cost of Attendance minus all other financial aid.
- Learn more about Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students.
Private Loans
- Interest rate: variable, depends on borrower’s credit.
- Unsubsidized: interest starts accruing upon disbursement.
- Not need-based; may borrow up to Cost of Attendance minus all other financial aid.
- Learn more about Private Loans.
Loan Repayment
- Exit counseling and packets
- What if you can’t pay your student loan bills?
- Strategic repayment
- Consolidation
- Loan forgiveness programs
- Learn more about Repayment Options.