Loans are financial aid that can be accepted and must be paid back within a specified period of time after a student graduates, leaves college or falls below half-time enrollment. Federal loan programs offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than most private loans. Ohio State participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program where students borrow directly from the federal government. Loans provide students and their families with flexibility because the money may be used for tuition and other expenses associated with college attendance.
Federal loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Federal Direct PLUS Loan for graduate and professional students
University aid
The Long-Term University Loan and Short-Term University Assistance are administered by Ohio State to assist with temporary financial difficulty or extenuating circumstances and are not intended to serve as a sustainable method of funding educational costs. To be considered for a Long-Term University Loan, students must contact Buckeye Link at 614-292-0300 or buckeyelink@osu.edu or or the financial aid office in your college to determine eligibility and to submit an application.
Note: Consideration for the Long-Term University Loan also requires a meeting with a Financial Wellness Coach in the Office of Student Life’s Student Wellness Center.
Health Professions Student Loan
A fixed rate, low interest, need-based federal loan administered by Ohio State for U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled full time in the colleges of Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine.
Please contact the financial aid office in your college for more information about eligibility to receive this loan.