The father of a recent Harvard graduate pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge that he lied to obtain a federal student loan for his daughter to attend the College, U.S. Attorney A. John Pappalardo said.

Daniel F. Coughlin, a Charlestown tax lawyer, secured a Stafford Loan in 1989 by giving Harvard false income and tax information without the knowledge of his daughter, Brenda C. Coughlin '93. The daughter lived in Adams House until she graduated in June.

Contacted at his home last night, Coughlin said only that he was surprised that a case which he considered "very small" should draw the attention of the Associated Press. "I can't believe it made the [Associated Press]," he said.

Coughlin confirmed the statement made by the U.S. attorney, but he refused to comment further on the case.

The falsified tax return Coughlin gave Harvard said his 1989 income was $61,971, while the return he gave the Internal Revenue Service listed his income as $136,733. Had Coughlin, 63, submitted his real income to Harvard, he would not have been eligible for the Stafford Loan, which is based on financial need.

The maximum ammount Stafford applicants may borrow during their first year is $2,625, which includes a $125 financing fee. Brenda Coughlin was a first-year student when her father applied for the loan.

Coughlin faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. District Judge Rya Zobel has scheduled the sentencing for Dec. 1.

Director of Admissions Marilyn M. Lewis '70 said last night she could not speak about the case. "It would be absolutely innappropriate and maybe even illegal for me to comment at this time," Lewis said.

This story was compiled with wire dispatches.