Federal Direct Stafford Loans
General Information and How to Apply
Applying for your Federal loans is quick and easy. Students should sign in to studentloans.gov using their student information and student PIN code. Students have a two step process in order for the Financial Aid Office to certify and process any federal loans:
-
You must complete online Entrance Counseling, demonstrating your understanding of the federal loan process, including repayment terms. This process will take 20-30 minutes to complete.
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After you successfully complete online Entrance Counseling, you will complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN); this is your agreement with the government and allows the University to process your loans.
**If you do not use the Full Name, Social Security Number and Date of Birth that are on file with HPU (such as through your Admissions Records, or FAFSA), your Entrance Counseling information may be delayed or not updated. Please use your full, legal name if that is what you have already provided the University.
NOTE FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS: As of Summer 2010, HPU has transitioned to participation in the Federal Direct Loan program. If you have not done so already, ALL students will need to complete a new promissory note to receive funds for the Summer 2010 or Fall 2010 semesters.
Federal Stafford Loan Limits (effective July 1, 2008)
Annual Loan Limits (July 1 - June 30 each award year)
Dependent Students
|
Freshman |
$5,500 - with no more than $3,500 as a subsidized loan |
|
Sophomore |
$6,500 - with no more than $4,500 as a subsidized loan |
|
Junior/Senior |
$7,500 - with no more than $5,500 as a subsidized loan |
Independent Students (subsidized amounts are maximums; totals vary by individual student).
|
Subsidized |
Unsubsidized |
Total |
|
|
Freshman |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
|
Sophomore |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
|
Junior/Senior |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
|
Graduate |
$0 |
$20,500 |
$20,500 |
For more information on the Stafford Loan Program please read the Federal Student Aid Student Guide, visit www.finaid.org or www.studentaid.ed.gov
Interest Rates
Interest rates for Federal Stafford and Federal PLUS loans are currently FIXED based on Congressional legislation. Current legislation caps rates for new subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans at 8.25%.
Important Information About Loan Disbursement:
- Financial Aid Funds – Financial aid funds are not disbursed until after the start of the semester. Early applicants (those who apply by March 1) should have their accounts paid and remaining funds disbursed to them by the end of the second week of school. Late applicants will be processed as completed and may not have their accounts paid and funds disburse until several weeks into the semester. You must come prepared to meet your financial obligations (to pay account balances and to cover your book and other living expenses) during the first several weeks of school, as all funds may not be ready for disbursement at the start of the semester.
- Financial Aid Award/Refunds – Your financial aid award will be used first to pay your tuition and residence hall charges (if you are living on campus). After these payments are made, any funds remaining will be refunded directly to you by check for use in paying your off-campus housing (if you are living off campus) and other living expenses. Financial aid refunds are not disbursed until after the start of school. For those who complete all of their aid requirements early, refunds are usually made in the first two weeks of the semester. If you are late completing your financial aid award requirements, payment of your tuition will be held in abeyance pending completion of your award. If you plan to live off campus, you should have funds sufficient to pay for your housing deposit, first month’s rent, and enough living expense funds to sustain you until your financial aid refund is paid.
