Graduate Student Grants and Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Eligibility
- Complete FAFSA
- Financial need is not a requirement
- Must be enrolled for at least half-time.
- Must complete a *Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview prior to first disbursement.
- Exit Interview required after student drops below half time.
Interest Rates
- Fixed rate of 6.8% on loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2006.
- Borrower is responsible for interest during life of the loan.
Annual Loan Limits - Direct Loan
| loans for loan periods beginning before july 1, 2012 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Type | Combined Base Limit for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Additional Limit for Unsubsidized Loans | Total Limit for Unsubsidized Loans (Minus Subsidized Amounts) |
| Graduate and Professional Students | $8,500 | $12,000 | $20,500 |
| Medical School Students | $8,500 | $32,000 | $40,500 |
| loans for periods beginning on or after july 1, 2012 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Type | Combined Base Limit for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Limit for Unsubsidized Loans | Total Limit for Unsubsidized Loans |
| Graduate and Professional Students | $0 | $20,500 | $20,500 |
| Medical School Students | $0 | $40,500 | $40,500 |
Aggregate Loan Limits
| Aggregate Loan Limits - Direct Loan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Type | Combined Base Limit for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Additional Limit for Unsubsidized Loans | Total Limit for Unsubsidized Loans (minus subsidized amounts) |
| Graduate and Professional Students | $65,500 (including undergraduate Direct loans) |
$73,000 | $138,500 |
| Medical School Students (Effective 4/18/08 per DCL GEN-08-04) |
$65,500 (including undergraduate Direct loans) |
$158,500 | $224,000 |
Repayment
Student does not have to pay the principal while enrolled at least half-time, but will be charged interest. Student can defer interest but it will be capitalized (added to principal loan balance) later. For information on minimizing your student loan debt by making interest payments while in school, visit the Unsubsidized Direct Loan Scenarios Web page.
Important Details *
Once the Direct loan has been awarded and guaranteed, the Department of Education will send you a notification to complete the MPN. Loan funds will not be disbursed until the borrower completes the MPN.
You are only required to complete an MPN one time as it can be used for up to 10 years of borrowing for educational expenses. A new MPN must be signed is if you cease enrollment for one full academic year or if your MPN has expired after 10 years. Each academic year, all students using the MPN will be notified of their loan eligibility. You may accept, reduce, or decline your loan(s) in NSU's WebSTAR system.