EDFinal Rule
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
EducationFinance & Banking
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Summary
This regulation governs the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which is the main way the federal government lends money to college students and their families to pay for education. The rule sets the terms and conditions for how these loans work, including how much students can borrow, what interest rates apply, and what repayment options are available.
Key Points
- 1Establishes rules for federal student loans made directly by the U.S. Department of Education to help students afford college
- 2Sets limits on how much undergraduate and graduate students can borrow each year and over their lifetime
- 3Determines interest rates and fees charged on these loans, and explains different ways borrowers can repay their debt
- 4Allows borrowers to choose from various repayment plans, including income-based options that tie monthly payments to how much someone earns
- 5Affects millions of college students and families who rely on federal student loans to finance their education
Impact Assessment
If you are a student, this means you can borrow federal money to pay for college with terms set by the government, including specific interest rates and repayment options available to you.
Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope
National
Compliance Cost
Minimal
Who is Affected
StudentsFinancial InstitutionsConsumers
Key Dates
Published
October 31, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Authorized By
Amends CFR Sections
34 CFR Part 685
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This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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