Subsidized Loan-If you are an undergraduate student and you demonstrate financial need based on your FAFSA, the federal government will pay the interest charge while you are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). You must pay the principal and interest during the repayment period which occurs six months following graduation, you are enrolled less than half-time (<6 credits) or withdrawal from the university. 

Unsubsidized Loan-All matriculated graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time may receive a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan regardless of family income. The interest is not paid on your behalf. You may choose to make payments while in school (recommended) or allow the interest to accumulate onto the balance. 

Federal Student Loans 101

The amount of federal loans you are offered is based on the following:

• if you are an undergraduate or graduate student
• your grade level in school (freshman, sophomore, junior/senior)
• your enrollment status (reduced amounts for less than full-time)
• your previous federal loan balances, and
• your dependency status. 

More on Borrowing Limits

You must enroll as a half-time student in order to receive your federal loans. Undergraduate students must be in 6+ credits and graduate students 4.5+ credits each semester. 

Loan amounts will be reduced if you enroll less than full-time. Withdrawals will affect the annual loan amount allowed during the academic year. Please be sure to visit our page regarding withdrawals.

More on Enrollment

If you receive a federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. It is important that you understand how interest is calculated and the fees associated with your loan. Both of these factors will impact the amount you will be required to repay.

Interest Rates

Loans are funds that you borrow and must repay with interest. You must repay your loans even if you do not graduate. Beginning with loans disbursed after July 1, 2026, there are two repayment options available: the Tiered Standard Plan or the Repayment Assistance Plan.

These loans are reported to credit bureaus. Making payments on time is a great way to build your credit. Failing to repay your loans when they are due will result in your loan being reported as delinquent and possibly in default. Default occurs when you do not make a payment for 270 days and do not have an approved deferment in place. 

Read more about these important considerations before you borrow. You can explore repayment options and topics by logging into studentaid.gov and using the repayment calculator or completing the interactive loan entrance/exit counseling modules.