Loans
Understanding Your Options
For many students, a combination of aid is the key to making college affordable. Our loan programs—federal and private—can help bridge the gap between scholarships or grants and the full cost of attendance. We aim to be transparent and responsible: the dropdowns below outline the loan types, eligibility, terms, and repayment basics so you can borrow with confidence and clarity.
Direct Subsidized Loan ➜
- Principal is deferred and the interest is paid by the federal government
- Available to degree-seeking undergraduate students and Teacher Credential students
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits
- Must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling prior to disbursement
- Eligibility is based on financial need as well as annual and aggregate loan limits
- Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when no longer enrolled at least half-time (6 credits)
Direct Unsubsidized Loan ➜
- Available to students pursuing an undergraduate degree as well as graduate students*
- Interest on the loan accrues at the time of disbursement
- Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time
- Must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling online at studentaid.gov
* Students in the P.A.S.C. program are not eligible for federal loans.
** Half-time enrollment is 6 credits for undergraduates / 5 credits for graduate students.
Parent Plus Loan ➜
- Available to the parent of a dependent student
- Dependent student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits)
- Maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance (COA) minus any other aid received (scholarships, grants, loans)
- Must complete the Parent PLUS Loan application and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling at studentaid.gov
- Subject to credit approval
- Loan amount must be evenly divided among each term within the academic year
- Payment options and additional information can be discussed with representatives at 1.800.557.7394
Please note: Parents must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling before funds can be disbursed.
Federal Direct Loan Eligibility/Requirements ➜
| Dependent Students | Annual Loan Limits |
|---|---|
| First Year (0 – 29 credits) | $5,500 ($3,500 subsidized / $2,000 unsubsidized) |
| Second Year (30 – 61 credits) | $6,500 ($4,500 subsidized / $2,000 unsubsidized) |
| Third year and beyond (62+ credits) | $7,500 ($5,500 subsidized / $2,000 unsubsidized) |
| Independent Students | Annual Loan Limits |
|---|---|
| First Year (0 – 29 credits) | $9,500 ($3,500 subsidized / $6,000 unsubsidized) |
| Second Year (30 – 61 credits) | $10,500 ($4,500 subsidized / $6,000 unsubsidized) |
| Third year and beyond (62+ credits) | $12,500 ($5,500 subsidized / $7,000 unsubsidized) |
| Graduate or Professional | $20,500 (unsubsidized only) |
Lifetime Limits ➜
| Student Type | Loan Limits |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Dependent | $31,000 (up to $23,000 may be subsidized) |
| Undergraduate Independent | $57,500 (up to $23,000 may be subsidized) |
| Graduate or Professional | $20,500 (unsubsidized only) |
