Preparatory Coursework

A student not enrolled in a degree or certificate program may be eligible for  Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans (and a parent may receive Direct PLUS Loans on behalf of a dependent student) for up to one year if she/he is taking coursework necessary for enrollment in an eligible program.

• To be eligible for loans under this exception, the student must be taking classes that are a prerequisite for admission.
• The courses must be part of an eligible program otherwise offered by the school, though the student does not have to be in that program.
• If enrolled at least half time in these prerequisite courses, the student is eligible for loans for one consecutive 12-month period (not per program) beginning on the first day of the loan period.
• If the 12 month period of preparatory courses spans more than one academic year, the student may receive multiple loans.
• A student who is only taking courses to raise his or her GPA in order to be admitted would not qualify.

If you believe that you meet these conditions please download our Preparatory Coursework Form, complete and submit to your financial aid office.