A FAFSA must be filed before TU can determine eligibility for Direct Loans. Students exhibiting no financial need, or no remaining need after other aid sources, may qualify to borrow a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. This loan provides a way for you to borrow money from the government to help finance your college education. This loan can be used for educationally-related costs, such as, tuition, fees, housing/meals and books. As a borrower, you are responsible for the interest on the loan while in school, but payment can be deferred.
Eligibility:
- Must file the FAFSA
- Not based on financial need
- Must be at least half-time
- Undergraduates: 6+ hours each semester
- Graduate: 5+ hours fall or spring, 5+ hours in the summer
- Law: 6+ hours fall or spring, 6+ hours in the summer
- Eligibility must be determined and the loan originated before the end of the academic period for which the loan is being requested.
- Prior to receiving the first loan disbursement, borrowers are required to accept the award(s) in Self Service. Upon accepting the loans, the borrower must also complete a Master Promissory Note and entrance counseling at https://studentaid.gov. Please see below for more information.
Aggregate Loan Limits:
The Department of Education sets aggregate loan limits for students:
- Dependent, undergraduate students: $31,000
- (not to exceed $23,000 in Direct Subsidized Loan Funds)
- Independent, undergraduate students: $57,500
- (not to exceed $23,000 in Direct Subsidized Loan Funds)
- Graduate / Law Students: $138,500
- (not to exceed $65,500 in Direct Subsidized Loan Funds)
Interest Rates / Fees:
The current interest rate for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans is determined each June for new loans being processed for the upcoming award year, which runs from July 1 to the following June 30. The fixed interest rate will be for the life of the loan.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan disburses. A student may defer the interest payment or may choose to pay the interest quarterly. Both options are listed on the electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN).
The government will deduct an origination (processing) fee from each Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan disbursement. Refer to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates for the actual interest rate and origination fee for your Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans.
First-time Borrower?
Prior to receiving the first loan disbursement, borrowers are required to electronically accept the award(s) in Self Service. Upon accepting loans, the first-time borrower must also complete the following:
- Entrance Counseling: Complete a one-time session at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling detailing the terms and conditions of the loan(s) and the rights and responsibilities of the borrower.
- Master Promissory Note (MPN): Sign the MPN at https://studentaid.gov/mpn/.
- The MPN is used for multiple loans for the same borrower.
- The MPN is valid for ten years.
- The MPN is retained and updated by the U.S. Department of Education throughout the student’s education at TU.
Both the entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be completed before funds are disbursed to the student’s Bursar account at TU.
- Loans are made in two equal disbursements for a two-semester loan. At least one-half of the loan period must elapse before the second disbursement can be released.
- Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans credit to the student’s Bursar account no earlier than the first day of class each semester. A disbursement funds letter will be emailed to the student’s TU email address when funds credit.
A student has the right to cancel all or any portion of the loan within 14 days of the loan crediting their student Bursar account. It is the student’s responsibility to notify Student Financial Services, in writing, if they wish to reduce or cancel their student loan(s).
Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half–time. Exit counseling is required upon leaving the university. Refer to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans for repayment plans.
2023-2024 Important Loan Information
All federal loans a student applies for will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and will be accessible by guarantee agencies, lenders, loan servicers, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.
To find helpful information regarding the items below, please search https://studentaid.gov/.
- Federal Student Aid Programs
- Consolidate My Loans
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Repayment Plans & Calculators