Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.

The fixed interest rate will depend on when the loan was disbursed. Additionally, a loan origination fee will be applied and deducted from the loan payout.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students where eligibility is not based on financial need. The fixed interest rate depends on when the loan was disbursed. Additionally, a loan origination fee will be applied and reduced from the loan payout.

This loan is made to parents of dependent students for their educational expenses. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement; however, parents can request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half time. As a parent, you will have to log in with your FSA ID and then you can complete the PLUS Loan application. PLUS loans are in the parent's name and the repayment is the parent's responsibility.

In addition to an interest rate, the loans have origination fees. These are deducted before disbursal and is why your amount that is sent to you is slightly less than the amount on your award letter. Get current interest rate and loan fee information.

Apply for a PLUS Loan.

Direct Loan amounts are determined by the number of earned credits at the time of awarding.

• Students who have earned fewer than 30 credits are awarded a base loan of $3,500, which may be subsidized or unsubsidized depending on need.
• Students who have earned 30 or more credits are eligible for $4,500.

In addition, dependent students are awarded $2,000 in Unsubsidized loan, and independent students are awarded $6,000. These amounts are subject to previous borrowing limitations and the individual student’s eligibility and financial need. Students are able to accept up to their maximum awarded amount.

If additional credits are earned after the award has been made, and additional loan funds are requested, the Financial Aid Office will evaluate any additional eligibility at the student’s request.

In accordance with federal law, please note that first-time borrowers must be enrolled for 30 days from the start of the term, in addition to completing the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling session, before they are eligible to receive the loan funds. 

Also, the funds will be divided into two disbursements; the first disbursement will be issued after 30 days from the start of the term and will be credited towards tuition first with the remaining funds going to the student. The remaining payment will be issued halfway through the loan period.

For example, if the loan period is for fall only, it will be issued halfway through that term. If the loan period is for fall and spring, the remaining payment will be issued at the beginning of the spring term.

Any tuition debt will be paid first with the remaining funds going to the student. If a student has completed all steps necessary to activate their loan, they can use any remaining balance at the bookstore for course materials.