Financial Aid
Federal Student Loans
Student loans have become an essential component in financing students' educational expenses. Loans, by definition and regulation, must be repaid and therefore should be used sparingly and wisely. If you accept a loan, you are responsible for repaying the loan plus interest. Remember that the more you borrow, the higher the monthly repayment will be, so only take as much loan money as you will need. To calculate your monthly repayment, use the following link: Repayment Calculators.
Each loan program has specific eligibility criteria, repayment, cancellation, and deferment conditions. Follow the links below for more information.
Federal Direct Loan
The Federal Direct Loan Program is a federally sponsored and regulated national student loan program for undergraduate and graduate students. The Federal Direct Loan is awarded to you by the Financial Aid Office after completing an annual FAFSA application and can come in the form of a Subsidized or an Unsubsidized Loan (or a combination of both). Funds are borrowed directly from the federal government, and a 1% origination fee is applied to each loan. Your loans will be assigned to a servicer, who will be your point of contact in regards to repayment. You will receive a disclosure statement from your servicer regarding the amount of your loan and the anticipated disbursement dates. No payments are required until 6 months after you graduate or drop below half time enrollment. The maximum repayment period is 10 years, although through consolidation, that period may be extended.
Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
Eligibility for the Subsidized Loan is based on financial need as determined by the federal processor and the Financial Aid Office. The Subsidized Loan does not accrue interest until a student graduates or drops below half time enrollment. Direct Subsidized Loans disbursed before July 1, 2013 have a fixed interest rate of 3.4%. Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2013 are scheduled to have a fixed rate of 6.8%. Graduate students are not eligible for this type of loan.
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
Financial need is not a requirement for the Unsubsidized loan. The interest on the Unsubsidized Loan begins immediately upon disbursement and accrues at 6.8%. Students can pay the interest quarterly or allow the interest to add to the principal.
Federal Direct Loan Limits (Annual)
| Dependent | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | $5,500 (up to $3500 Subsidized) | $9,500 (up to $3,500 Subsidized) |
| Sophomore | $6,500 (up to $4500 Subsidized) | $10,500 (up to $4,500 Subsidized) |
| Junior | $7,500 (up to $5500 Subsidized) | $12,500 (up to $5,500 Subsidized) |
| Senior | $7,500 (up to $5500 Subsidized) | $12,500 (up to $5,500 Subsidized) |
| Graduate | $20,500 |
Federal Direct Loan Limits (Lifetime)
| Dependent | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $31,000 (up to $23,000 Subsidized) | $57,500 (up to $23,000 Subsidized) |
| Graduate | $138,500 |
First time borrowers of the Federal Direct Loan are required to complete two steps in order to secure the loan(s). Using your FAFSA pin number, log into the www.studentloans.gov site. You'll see two links:
- Complete Entrance Counseling
- Complete Master Promissory Note
Federal Perkins Loan
The Federal Perkins Loan is available to both undergraduates and graduates with exceptional financial need. Funding is limited. No payments are due and no interest accrues on the loan until 9 months after you leave school or drop below half time enrollment status (6 credits for undergraduates and 5 for graduate students).
UW-Green Bay is your lender for the Perkins Loan, and you will make payments to the University through a Servicer called ECSI. The loan has a fixed interest rate of 5%, and borrowers have a maximum of 10 years to repay. Cumulative lifetime borrowing limits are $20,000 for an undergraduate and $40,000 for a graduate student. To calculate your monthly repayment, use the following link: Repayment Calculator.
First time borrowers at UW-Green Bay must complete Perkins Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note, which is separate and distinct from the Federal Direct Loan program.