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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

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What is a federal Direct Loan?

Answer:

A federal Direct Loan is a federal student loan made directly by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Generally, if you took out a federal student loan or consolidated your loans on or after July 1, 2010, you have a federal Direct Loan. There are four types of Direct Loans:

  • Direct Subsidized Loans
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans
  • Direct PLUS Loans
  • Direct Consolidation Loans

You can learn more about what type of loan you have through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

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