Federal Student Loans

Low interest federal loans are available to assist eligible students who are enrolled at least half-time.

When should I begin the application process for 2024-2025?

Students should wait until they have a financial aid notification that confirms eligibility for Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans, as well as the amounts.


General Requirements for Federal Student Loans

Subsidized Federal STUDENT Loans

Students that meet certain financial need criteria may qualify for a Subsidized Federal Student Loan. The federal government pays the interest on the Subsidized Loan while students are enrolled at least half-time and when they qualify for an authorized deferment. Interest subsidies are also available during grace periods.

Unsubsidized Federal student Loans

Students who do not qualify for a Subsidized Federal Student Loan may be eligible for an Unsubsidized Federal Student Loan. The federal government does not pay the interest on an Unsubsidized Loan. Students have the option of paying the interest while they are in school, or they can choose to have the interest added to their principal balance through a process called capitalization, thus increasing the amount to be repaid.

 

Federal Student loan Annual Limits

  Dependent
(Annual Loan Limit)
Independent
(Annual Loan Limit)
All Students
(Maximum Subsidized Loan Limit)
First-Year $5,500 $9,500 $3,500
Sophomore $6,500 $10,500 $4,500
Junior / Senior $7,500 $12,500 $5,500
Note: Dependent students whose parent has been denied a PLUS Loan may be eligible for additional Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

Loan Fees

The Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans currently have a 1.057% origination fee that will be deducted from the gross amount of the loan at the time of disbursement.   

Interest Rates

The interest rate on Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans is fixed at 6.533% (for loans disbursed after July 1, 2024). 

Loan Disbursement

Repayment Terms

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month “grace period” before you begin repayment. You typically have 10 years to repay your Federal Student Loan. There are no prepayment penalties on a Federal Student Loan.

 

To apply for your Federal Direct Student Loan(s):