Student Loans
What Is a Student Loan?
With the increasing costs of higher education, many students are finding student loans to be the most practical means of financing a college education. The U.S. Department of Education offers the Federal Direct Loan Program to assist students and parents of dependent undergraduate students. Below is a short description of each program. You may find more detailed information in the Student Guide, published each year by the U.S. Department of Education and available at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan
This loan is available to dependent and independent students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Interest is subsidized (paid by the government) while the student remains enrolled at an eligible institution for a minimum of six credit hours. Repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawal from college or enrolling for less than six credit hours.
Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan
This loan is available to independent students and to dependent students who are not eligible for subsidized loans due to lack of financial need. The student is responsible for interest immediately following the disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawal from college or enrolling for less than six credit hours.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
This loan is available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents may borrow entire cost of attendance less any financial assistance. Repayment begins 60 days following the full loan disbursement. Supplemental credit and financial information may be required by the lender.
Alternative Loans
Alternative Loans are available to students at Aquinas College. The Office of Financial Aid at Aquinas College encourages students to utilize all federal, state, and institutional funding available before applying for an alternative loan. Alternative loans or private loans are nonfederal credit based loans that must be paid back. In some situations students will be required to have a co-signor in order to qualify for alternative loan funding. The interest rate for alternative loans is a variable rate based on the prime rate or LIBOR, plus a fixed percentage based on the borrower's or co-signer's credit rating.
Below is a list of lenders from whom Aquinas College students have borrowed from the last two years. Students are allowed to select any lender, even a lender not on the list. Regardless of which lender you select, The Office of Financial Aid will process your information and request funding from the lender you chose.
Did you know?
Students receiving assistance from federal loans are required to be at least half-time (six hours) each semester. Dropping classes may jeopardize your eligibility for assistance, please check with the Office of Financial Aid prior to making any schedule adjustments.
Related Links
Student Aid on the Web website »