A Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of financial need. Students will not be charged any interest prior to repayment or during any authorized periods of deferment. During deferment, the federal government pays the interest on the loan until the time of repayment. Payment is automatically deferred until the borrower is no longer enrolled on at least half-time basis. At the time the borrower is no longer enrolled half-time, a six month grace period begins prior to entering repayment.

You may check current Interest rates and loan fees for Direct Loans here.

A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan may be awarded to undergraduate and/or graduate students. The loan is not awarded on the basis of financial need. Students are responsible for any accruing interest during in-school and deferment periods. Interest accruing during those periods may be paid or capitalized as agreed by the borrower and lender. You may check current Interest rates and loan fees for Direct Loans here.

Payment is automatically deferred until the borrower is no longer enrolled at least half-time. At the time the borrower is no longer enrolled half-time, a six month grace period begins prior to entering repayment. Interest on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans continues to accrue during the grace period.

The federal Direct PLUS program is a popular financing option for graduate students, and parents of undergraduate students. You may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance (excluding any other financial aid). All funds are received electronically and applied to the student’s AUM student account to pay university authorized charges. You may check current interest rates and loan fees for Direct Loans here.

Undergraduate students whose parents do not qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan may request additional loan funds in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program. The funds may be requested by contacting the Office of Financial Aid after receiving notification the Direct PLUS has been declined.

When it comes to repaying your federal student loan, there’s a lot to consider. Understanding the importance of repayment and the repayment details can save you time and money.

All Federal Direct Loans at AUM are disbursed in two payments.  Loans awarded for a single semester are disbursed in two equal payments over the semester awarded:  the first payment is disbursed at the beginning of the term or loan period, and the second payment is disbursed at the midpoint of the term or loan period.   However, Direct Stafford Loan funds for first-time, first-year undergraduate student borrowers may not be released until 30 days after the first day of classes for their first semester.  Loan funds will be applied directly to your AUM student account.

Undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 6 hours for the Direct Stafford Loan and Direct PLUS Loan funds to be disbursed.  Graduate borrowers must be enrolled at least 3 hours of graduate coursework for federal loan funds to be disbursed.

A Master Promissory Note (MPN) or agreement to repay the loan must be completed and signed prior to the loan approval and disbursement process.

Students must also complete online Federal Direct Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling before funds can be disbursed.

Terms and Conditions of Title IV, HEA Loans

The university does not endorse or recommend any specific private loan lenders or products. To link to a nonprofit, independent website that provides information about private student loan programs and offers a comparison calculator, click here.

Private student loans should be considered as your last resort of funding opportunities.  You should utilize all other financing options before applying for a private product.  Remember, federal student loan programs are less expensive than private loans and should be considered first. Private loan interest typically begins accruing immediately and fluctuates with market rates. Undergraduate private loan borrowers will typically be required to have a cosigner.

The lender, not AUM, determines eligibility for a private student loan. However, the University is required to certify your enrollment and calculate the amount you can borrow. The total loan amount is limited to cost of education minus financial assistance.  Private student loan checks are mailed directly to the AUM Cashier Office, and require both the university and student must endorse the check for the funds to be applied to the student AUM account.

The university does not endorse or recommend any specific private loan lenders or products. To link to a nonprofit, independent website that provides information about private student loan programs and offers a comparison calculator, click here.