Student Loan Information
Office of Financial Aid
Get help paying for your education
To be considered for any federal loan, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov). You can learn more about applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on our How to Apply for Financial Aid page. You may also download our Student Loan Code of Conduct.
You must be enrolled at least half-time per term in a degree-seeking program to be eligible for all federal loans and some alternative loans. To see enrollment definitions and other important student loan information, such as loan disbursement dates, federal reporting, loan deadlines, and counseling requirements, visit the FAQ section on this page.
Loans for all students
Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
Repayment of the loan principal begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or enrollment drops below half-time status. All eligible students may apply for the Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan up to the amount shown on their financial aid offer.
Alternative loans
Alternative loans are nonfederal loans with you, the student, as the borrower. Alternative loan approval is based on your satisfactory credit history. Some alternative loans require a credit-worthy cosigner or allow you to use a cosigner to receive a lower interest rate. Typically, federal student loans are less expensive and offer better repayment terms than alternative education loans, so be sure to double-check your eligibility for federal student loans before considering any alternative loan options.
Additional loans for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, online bachelor’s degree, and teaching license students
Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow a Federal Direct Parent Plus loan. The maximum you may borrow is the cost of attendance minus all other financial aid sources. If you need assistance with the amount you or your parents are eligible to borrow, contact the Financial Aid Office.
United Methodist scholarships and loans
United Methodist scholarships and loans are available only to undergraduate students who identify as active members of the United Methodist Church.
Additional loans for master’s, graduate certificate, and doctoral students
Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan
Students may be eligible to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS in addition to the Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan. The maximum you may borrow is the cost of attendance minus all other financial aid sources. If you need assistance with the amount you are eligible to borrow, you may contact the Financial Aid Office. These students can apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan in addition to the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. However, borrowers must apply for their annual loan maximum eligibility under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan before trying to get the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. (Please keep in mind that licensure students are not eligible for these loans.)
Student loan FAQs
Determine your enrollment status
Enrollment status |
Credit requirement |
|---|---|
| Half-time* | At least 6 credits per semester |
| Full-time | At least 12 credits per semester |
| State Grant | At least 15 credits per semester |
Enrollment status |
Credit requirement |
|---|---|
| Half-time* | At least 4 credits per semester |
| Full-time | At least 8 credits per semester |
*Half-time status is a requirement for all federal and some alternative student loans.
