Student Loan FAQs

Got Questions?

Taking a student loan to pay for college could be extremely nerve-racking. It’s something you’ve never done before; it may involve a lot of money and take several years of repayment. So, if you have questions, you’re not alone!

Below, you can learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about student loans. If you have a different question, your financial aid office or advisor is a great place to contact for the answer.

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1. How do I borrow responsibly?

Some debt to fund your college education is normal and should be considered an investment in your future earning potential. Here are some tips–

You’re in control. Take out only the amount of student loans that you truly need—no more, no less.
The amount of loan you take will adjust according to your specific circumstances and your starting salary after graduation. Consider keeping your max at $10,000 per year.
Stay enrolled at least half time to prevent your repayment plan from kicking in until you complete your degree.
If you get an unexpected refund from your school, spend it according to your budget and if possible use it to pay down your loan early.

2. What are “good loans” and “bad loans?”

Most Preferred

Select federal loans that have the lowest interest rates and best repayment options –

Direct Subsidized Loans (Or Subsidized Stafford Loans) – lowest fixed interest rates that don’t accrue until after a student stops taking college classes and have a grace period before you have to start repaying (usually 6 months after college completion or stop-out).

Proceed with Caution

Some federal loans have fixed interest rates, but begin accruing interest as soon as you receive the money. If it is the only way you can keep your out-of-pocket costs manageable, you might consider this option–

Direct Unsubsidized Loans (or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans) – Fixed interest rate that accrue during and after college. These loans have a grace period before your first payment is due, but interest will accumulate while you are in school and until you pay them off.

Strongly Discouraged

Try to avoid loans with the highest interest rates and the worst repayment terms–

Parent Plus Loans have some of the highest fixed interest rates for the life of the loan across the federal loan programs. The grace period is only 60 days before you have to start repaying. Interest accrues during and after college.

Private loans often have high variable interest rates and don’t carry any federal funding. The repayment plans and interest accrual can be quite aggressive. We do not recommend getting private loans.

3. How do I get access to the best loans?

All federal loans (direct subsidized, direct unsubsidized, and Parent Plus) require that you complete the FAFSA
Most loans are awarded based on financial need. Students with the greatest demonstrated need (aka a low Student Aid Index) are often awarded direct subsidized loans.
Remember that you must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), usually a minimum GPA, in order to maintain the loans awarded through a financial package.

4. How much can I borrow in student loans?

If you are an undergraduate student, the maximum amount you can borrow each year in Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans ranges from $5,500 to $12,500 per year, depending on what year you are in school and your dependency status.

Got Questions?

1. How do I borrow responsibly?