The Department of Education has released the interest rates for federal student loans originated between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Federal direct loans for graduate students will bear an interest rate of 7.94% and graduate PLUS loans will bear an interest rate of 8.94%. These rates are slightly lower than the current rates of 8.08% and 9.08%. These new rates will apply for loans for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.