Federal Direct Loan processing for the 2026-2027 year has been delayed as late as the end of June 2026 or possibly later. Check back here for updates on timeline.

This delay is happening because the U.S. Department of Education has published updated rules related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). In order to comply with the law, CUNYfirst is being updated to allow for loans to be able to post to CUNYfirst. Until those software updates are complete, all CUNY schools, including Brooklyn College, cannot move forward with certain steps in the loan process. 

The OBBBA has made considerable changes to the Federal Direct Loan program. Click here to learn more about how these changes affect you.

What this means for you:

-You can still proceed with submitting a Federal Direct Loan request for 2026-2027 if you choose to.

-Your loan request, if submitted, will be on file and safe.

-No action is needed from you right now after you submit.

Processing will start as soon as the financial aid systems are ready. This may not be until end of June of 2026 or possibly later. Check back here for updates

We know delays can be stressful, and we appreciate your patience while the Department of Education to implement the final rules.

If you have questions or need help understanding the process, we’re here for you.

Initial Federal Direct Loan Application (requires login on BC Web Central) .

See section above about loan processing delays for 26-27)

The deadline to request a federal direct loan for the 2025-2026 academic year has passed.

2026-2027 Alternative Loan Release Form (requires login on BC Webcentral)

2025-2026 Alternative Loan Release form (requires login on BC WebCentral)

2024–25 Alternative Loan Release Form (requires login on BC Web Central)

2023–24 Alternative Loan Release Form (requires login on BC Web Central)