Direct Subsidized Loans

A loan is money you borrow and pay back with interest. A Direct Subsidized Loan is available to undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need.

Before accepting a loan, understand your options and responsibilities by visiting StudentAid.gov.

Return to Financial Aid

Loan Details

  • Eligibility

    • Complete the FAFSA
    • Must be an undergraduate student with financial need, which is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
    • May not exceed the aggregate loan limits established by the U.S. Department of Education
    • Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
    • Must complete Student Loan Entrance Counseling on StudentAid.gov
    • Must e-sign Master Promissory Note (MPN) also found on StudentAid.gov

  • Award Amount

    Award amounts are based on

    • Your program level
    • How many credits you have completed, and
    • If you are considered a dependent or independent student, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Learn More About Loan Amounts

  • Interest Rate

    Learn about interest rates and how much it costs to pay back a loan.


    View Current Interest Rates

  • Loan Fees

    A loan fee is charged for both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

    The loan fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is proportionately deducted from each loan payment.

    View Current Loan Fee Percentage

  • Disbursement

    The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while:

    • You are in school at least half-time,

    • For the first six months after you leave school, and

    • During a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments.)

  • Additional Benefits

    Direct Loans are disbursed three days before the first day of the semester and will automatically cover tuition and other authorized charges. After that date, disbursements are processed weekly.

    After the balance is paid, excess financial aid will be refunded to students by check.

    The Cashier’s Office will notify students when the check is available to be picked up or mailed.



  • Loan Repayment

    We encourage students to use the following resources to learn more about loan repayments:



  • Continued Eligibility


    • Complete a FAFSA each award year.
    • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress each semester.
    • Meet all other eligibility requirements.
    • You may not exceed your Direct Loan Aggregate Loan Limits.
    • E-sign an MPN if it has expired.

    View Your Pell Grant and Loan History

  • Exit Counseling

    If a student who receives federal loans withdraws, drops below half-time enrollment, or graduates, they are required to complete Exit Counseling on StudentAid.gov .

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Students who have received their maximum yearly loan amounts in the Fall/Winter terms will no longer have eligibility for additional loans in the spring term. To see how much is available per academic year, visit this link on StudentAid.gov . If you feel you still have loan eligibility for the Spring term and want to request a loan for the Spring semester, fill out this form .