Student Loans

LOAN LIMITS

The maximum amount a student can borrow each year in Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans depends on their grade level and on whether they are a dependent or an independent student.  The following shows the maximum amount of loan a student may borrow each academic year in Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans:

1st-year undergraduate:

• Dependent students: $5,500 (maximum $3,500 subsidized) 
• Independent students and dependent students whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS loan: $9,500 (maximum $3,500 subsidized)

2nd-year undergraduate:

• Dependent students: $6,500 (maximum $4,500 subsidized)
• Independent students and dependent students whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS loan: $10,500 (maximum $4,500 subsidized)

3rd and 4th-year undergraduate:

• Dependent students: $7,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized)
• Independent students and dependent students whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS loan: $12,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized)

The loan amount a student is eligible to receive for an academic year is determined by the financial aid office. Loan amounts are based on a student’s overall eligibility and financial aid package and may be less than the maximum annual amounts shown above.

Below are the aggregate (total) limits for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans:

• $31,000 for dependent undergraduate students, excluding those whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS Loan (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized).
• $57,500 for independent undergraduate students and dependent undergraduates whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS loan (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized).

These aggregate limits include both Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and any subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans previously received through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program.

For more Direct Loan information and guidance regarding student loan repayment options including assistance for consolidation, deferment, forbearance, and loan cancellation for teachers and certain public service occupations; please visit the Federal Student Loans website.

Loan Repayment

It is important to have a plan for student loan repayment after graduation, dropping below half-time enrollment status, or at the end of a six-month grace period. When a student stops attending USAO, they are sent information regarding online loan exit counseling. Exit counseling is a highly recommended tool intended to assist
students with learning about repayment options. 

Students who are delinquent on student loan payments for 90 days or more, are reported as delinquent to the three major credit bureaus by the loan servicer. Students with unresolved delinquencies go into default.

Defaulting on federal student loans causes the entire unpaid balance of the loan(s), and any interest owed, to become immediately due. This has a negative impact on credit scores, removes eligibility for future Title IV funds, tax refunds or federal benefits payments may be withheld, legal and court action from loan servicers is possible, as well as loss of eligibility for deferment or forbearance, etc.

Available repayment plans are available on the Student Loan Repayment Plans page. The Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator page is also available to view repayment calculations and options.

Both pages can assist in planning for future student loan repayments.

FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOANS

If a student classifies as a dependent student and their financial aid package does not meet their full cost of attendance, the student’s parents may be able to take out a Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). PLUS loans are available to provide a parent with additional resources to help pay the educational expenses of an undergraduate student who is enrolled at least half time. Since the parent is the borrower, the responsibility of repaying PLUS loans rests with the parent rather than the student. As the PLUS loan accrues interest at a higher interest rate than the unsubsidized student loan and repayment begins immediately, USAO encourages that student loan eligibility be maximized before applying for a PLUS loan.

When applying for a Direct PLUS Loan, the Department of Education will check the credit history of the applicant to determine approval. If denied, the applicant may choose to obtain an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history to try to gain approval. In some cases, a parent may also be able to obtain the PLUS loan if they provide documentation to show that there are extenuating circumstances related to the adverse credit history. If the PLUS loan is denied, the student may have the option to borrow additional unsubsidized student loan. PLUS loans approved with an endorser or on appeal are also required to complete loan credit counseling.

The maximum PLUS amount is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received and will be determined by the financial aid office.

To apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, you must complete a PLUS Application and Master Promissory Note (MPN). This MPN will remain effective for 10 years. A parent can begin the PLUS process at studentaid.gov, using their FSA ID. 

FSA ID help

For more information on the Federal PLUS Loan program, visit the PLUS Loans website.

ALTERNATIVE OR PRIVATE LOANS

Alternative, or private, loans are student loans that assist families in meeting the cost of their education that traditional financial aid and their own resources cannot cover. These loans are generally less favorable in their terms and conditions than federal student and/or parent loans and therefore should not be considered until AFTER a student has exhausted all federal loan options. Most of these loans must be certified (processed) by the Financial Aid Office and considered part of the student’s financial aid package.

Alternative, or private, loans are credit-based loans, often require co-signers, are unable to be consolidated with federal student loans, and have no interest rate cap. Students that borrow from both federal and private loans will typically have multiple payments which could make the total monthly payment higher than it would be if the same amount was borrowed from a single source.

Researching and choosing the best lender is crucial when it comes to alternative loans. A student should consider their current financial relationships to see what they may have to offer. If a student must borrow these additional loans, they need to consider all factors and make the best decision for their needs.

To help students make informed decisions about alternative loans we have partnered with Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, INC, and utilize their service, Fast Choice, to provide students with information about student loans. Fast Choice hosts our historical lender list which includes all private lenders that have provided education loans to our students within the last 3 years. This information is updated annually.

We do not recommend or endorse any private lender on this list, nor do we receive compensation for a lender’s inclusion. USAO does not require students to borrow from any lender. Students are free to pick any eligible lender they wish for alternative loans. This includes alternative loan companies not included on our historical lending list.

Self-Certification Form

The federal Truth in Lending Act requires a lender to obtain a self-certification signed by the applicant before disbursing a private education loan. The school is required on request to provide the form or the required information only for students admitted or enrolled at the school. Student borrowers must complete the application (which is provided by the lender as part of the application process) and return it to the lender. To request a self-certification form and/or the information required to complete the form, please contact financialaid@usao.edu.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION