Loans

The GS Office of Educational Financing administers both federal (including Direct and Parent PLUS) and private education loans for new and continuing students.

Student Debt Relief Program

On August 24, 2022, President Biden announced that the US Department of Education will forgive $10,000 in student loan debt to existing borrowers who received loans by 6/30/22 with incomes below $125K (or $250K for married couples), and $20,000 to existing borrowers who received Pell Grant assistance as an undergraduate. Additionally, the pause in student loan repayment and interest that began in March 2020 will be extended to December 31, 2022. There are also proposed regulations to simplify repayment obligations and minimize the accumulation of interest. Learn more at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement.

Undergraduate Students

Amounts and types of Federal Direct loans available depend on factors obtained by the School after a student completes the FAFSA. A full overview of federal loans is available on the Student Financial Services website.

The Columbia University FAFSA school code is 002707.

Private student loans, also known as alternative education loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of your education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its programs. Private loans are offered by private lenders and there are no federal forms to complete. A full overview of private loans is available on the Student Financial Services website.

For a private education loan, the GS school code is 002707-05.

Postbac Premed Program Students

Postbac Premed students are eligible to borrow Federal Direct Loans for the Program. Amounts and types of Federal Direct loans available depend on factors obtained by the School after a student completes the FAFSA.

Federal Direct loans are usually awarded for a two-semester loan period and require an enrollment of at least 6 points each semester. For additional information about the Federal Direct Loan Program, as well as alternative loans, visit the Student Financial Services website.

The Columbia University FAFSA school code is 002707.

Private student loans, also known as alternative education loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of your education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its programs. Private loans are offered by private lenders and there are no federal forms to complete. A full overview of private loans is available on the Student Financial Services website.

For a private education loan, the GS school code is 002707-05.