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Federal Direct Loans

There are two types of Federal Direct Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized.

To be eligible for a loan you must:

• Be a United States citizen or national, permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen.
• Be enrolled at least half time (6 credits) in an eligible program
• Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Not be in default on a Stafford, PLUS, SLS, Consolidation, or Federal Direct Loans
• Not owe a Title IV refund
• Not have been convicted of any offense under state or federal law involving the sale or possession of a controlled substance

Subsidized Federal direct Loan

A Subsidized loan is awarded based on the student's financial need as computed by the Student Financial Service office and the Federal Processor. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled for at least 6 credits and during the 6 month grace period once the student ceases enrollment.

If a student is not enrolled for a period of six months or longer, the student will go into repayment. At that time interest will begin to accrue at a fixed interest rate not to exceed 8.25% (Stafford Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 1995). Once in repayment the minimum monthly payment on a loan is $50.00. A 3% origination fee may be subtracted from the loan at the time of disbursement.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan

An Unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If a student is not eligible for a full Subsidized Stafford Student Loan, the student may be awarded BOTH a Subsidized and an Unsubsidized loan.

The U.S. Department of Education DOES NOT pay the interest while the student is in school. Interest accrues at a rate not to exceed 8.25% and is fixed. An interest only payment can be made while the student is in school or it can be deferred. Once in repayment the minimum monthly payment on a loan is $50.00. A 3% origination fee may be subtracted from the loan at the time of disbursement.

Annual Loan Limits

The figures listed below are maximum yearly (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) amounts a student may borrow. The amount you are awarded may be less than the Annual Limit based on other aid received.

Dependent Student (per FAFSA guidelines)

Independent Student (per FAFSA guidelines)

Processing Fees

All Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans may be subject to at least a 1.0% origination fee and up to a 1.0% default fee, which may be deducted proportionately from each of your loan disbursements.