Citing uncertainty in the federal student-loan marketplace, Northeastern University announced today that it would join the government’s direct-loan program.

Philomena Mantella, senior vice president for enrollment and student life, said in a news release issued this morning that the university was seeking to provide “stability and security” to its borrowers.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that every student and parent has a sure and clear path to obtain educational loans,” she said.

Northeastern’s announcement comes amid continuing market disruptions that have made it harder for lenders to obtain financing to back their student loans and have led to a flurry of lender withdrawals from the federal student-loan program. To date, the departures do not appear to have affected student-loan availability, but some colleges are starting to worry that their students could have a harder time obtaining loans next fall.

Northeastern timed its announcement to coincide with a Congressional hearing in Boston today on the impact of the credit crunch on student-loan availability. Pennsylvania State University announced last week that it was switching to direct lending. —Kelly Field