Financial Assistance Office
 |
On this page
|
|
|
 |
Learn about the types of loans, what the fees and interest rates are, and annual and aggregate loan limits.
Types of Loans
- Subsidized Direct Loans: loans awarded on the basis of financial need, as determined by the results of the FAFSA. No interest accumulates: 1) while you maintain an enrollment status of at least half-time, or 2) during periods of deferment.
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans: loans awarded based on Cost of Attendance minus all other aid awarded. Interest accumulates from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.
Fees and Interest Rates
Interest rates are set by federal regulation, effective as of July 1 of the academic year. Origination fees may be assessed.
- Amounts listed on award letters do not have the origination fee deducted.
- Direct loans disbursed prior to July 1, 2006 have variable interest rates and are subject to change annually. Check with your lender for the most current interest rate information.
|
| Academic Year |
Effective as of: |
Interest Rate for Undergraduate Subsidized Loans |
Interest Rate for 1) Undergraduate Unsubsidized Loans and 2) Graduate Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans |
| 2007 - 2008 |
July 1, 2007 |
6.8% |
6.8% |
| 2008 - 2009 |
July 1, 2008 |
6.0% |
6.8% |
| 2009 - 2010 |
July 1, 2009 |
5.6% |
6.8% |
| 2010 - 2011 |
July 1, 2010 |
4.5% |
6.8% |
| 2011 - 2012 |
July 1, 2011 |
3.4% |
6.8% |
| 2012 - 2013 |
July 1, 2012 |
3.4%* |
6.8% |
* This reduced interest rate has been extended until July 1, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2013, the rate will increase to 6.8%.
[Back to Top]
Loan Limits
Annual Loan Limits for Dependent Undergraduate Students
| Classification / Credit Hours |
Subsidized / Unsubsidized Based Amount |
Additional Unsubsidized |
Total Amounts |
| Freshman / 0 - 29 |
$3,500 |
$2,000 |
$5,500 |
| Sophomore / 30 - 59 |
$4,500 |
$2,000 |
$6,500 |
| Junior / 60 - 89 |
$5,500 |
$2,000 |
$7,500 |
| Senior / 90+ |
$5,500 |
$2,000 |
$7,500 |
[Back to Top]
Annual Loan Limits for Independent Undergraduate Students
| Classification / Credit Hours |
Subsidized / Unsubsidized Based Amount |
Additional Unsubsidized |
Total Amounts |
| Freshman / 0 - 29 |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
| Sophomore / 30 - 59 |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
| Junior / 60 - 89 |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
| Senior / 90+ |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
[Back to Top]
Annual Loan Limits for Graduate Students
For Direct Loans made for periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 2012, subsidized Direct Loans will no longer be available for graduate students and professional students.
| Loans for loan periods beginning before July 1, 2012 |
| Classification / Credit Hours |
Subsidized Based Amount |
Additional Unsubsidized |
Total Amounts |
| Graduate Student/Master's Degree |
$8,500 |
$12,000 |
$20,500 |
| Loans for loan periods beginning on or after July 1, 2012 |
| Classification / Credit Hours |
Subsidized Based Amount |
Unsubsidized Loan Maximum |
Total Amounts |
| Graduate Student/Master's Degree |
$0 |
$20,500 |
$20,500 |
[Back to Top]
Aggregate Loan Limits for Direct Loans
| |
Combined Base Limit for Subsidized* and Unsubsidized Loans |
Additional Limit for Unsubsidized Loans |
Total Limit for Unsubsidized Loans
(minus subsidized amounts) |
Dependent Undergraduate Students
(whose parents were not denied a PLUS loan) |
$23,000 |
$8,000 |
$31,000 |
Independent Undergraduate Students
(and dependent students whose parents were denied a PLUS loan) |
$23,000 |
$34,500 |
$57,500 |
| Graduate and Professional Students |
$65,500
(including undergraduate Direct loans) |
$73,000 |
$138,500 |
* Beginning July 1, 2013, subsidized loan eligibility will be limited to 150 percent of the length of the student's academic program.
[Back to Top]
|
|
 |
Learn how to meet federal direct loan eligibility requirements, steps you must complete to receive loan funds, and how to complete entrance counseling and your master promissory note (MPN).
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for a Federal Direct Loan, a student must meet each of the following criteria:
- Complete the FAFSA for the year in which they intend to receive aid,
- Be a degree-seeking student at FHSU,
- Be enrolled at least a half-time, and
- Have no other loans currently in default.
Further, the amount of the loans:
- Subsidized Loan - cannot exceed a student's unmet need.
(Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution - Other Aid = Unmet Need)
- Unsubsidized Loan - cannot exceed the student's original need.
(Cost of Attendance - Aid = Original Need)
If a student already has a bachelor's degree, they must also fulfill one of the following requirements (in addition to meeting the requirements listed above) to receive a Direct Loan:
- Be admitted to Graduate School in a specific Master’s degree program and enrolled in Graduate level courses. Notify our office when the process is complete.
- A prerequisite form must be completed by student and advisor. Please contact our office for a prerequisite form.
- Be seeking a second undergraduate degree. Submit an advisor-signed copy of your degree summary. Contact the Registrar's Office for details.
- Be enrolled in classes for teacher certification. Notify our office when you have confirmed your standing in the Teacher Licensure Office, RH 220.
Steps to Complete to Receive Loan Funds
- Accept the awarded Direct Loan online through TigerTracks.
- Complete the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN will allow you to borrow additional loans, based on the same Promissory Note, during the current year or subsequent years. Since the MPN does not specify a requested loan amount, refer to your most recent award letter. The amount you accepted is the amount you are borrowing for that academic year. The MPN is active for 10 years, unless revoked in writing to the lender, or if no disbursement is made within one year from the signature date.
- Complete Entrance Counseling.
[Back to Top] |
|
|
 |
Learn about what actions trigger a duty to notify the Department of Education (DOE) and FHSU and your rights as a student borrower.
When to Notify the Department of Education (DOE) and FHSU
You must notify the DOE and your school if you do one of the following:
- Graduate, withdraw from school, or drop below half-time status.
- Transfer to another school.
- Fail to enroll in school during the period for which the loan was intended.
- Change your name, address, or employer (after graduation only).
- Have any other status changes relevant to your loan.
Your Rights as a Student Borrower
- Repay the loan at any time without penalty.
- Receive a six-month grace period before beginning repayment.
- Be notified by your lender in writing if your loans are sold or transferred for servicing.
- Have your loan obligation forgiven if you die or become permanently disabled.
- Defer repayment for a specified period of time (if you qualify).
- Receive a copy of your disclosure statement and repayment schedule.
[Back to Top] |