Loans
Think you’ll need some additional assistance paying for your education? There’s a solution for that.
For many families, student loans are a necessary resource to help pay for college expenses. They are borrowed funds that you’ll pay back with interest once you leave college. You can either take a loan out through the federal government (typically has lower interest rates and long terms) or through a private lender.
Types of Loans
The Direct Subsidized Loan is available to undergraduates with a financial need based on FAFSA results. It is a federal loan that must be repaid, however the interest is paid by the government while the student is enrolled in school and for 6 months after you leave school. The current interest rate can be found here.
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available if you don’t have a financial need based on your FAFSA result. It is a federal loan that must be repaid including all interest. Interest on unsubsidized loans will accrue while you are enrolled in school. You can choose to pay the interest monthly while in school or choose to have the interest capitalize. Capitalizing the interest on a loan means the interest is added to the principal balance of the loan. The current interest rate can be found here.
Federal Direct Loans
The Department of Education charges a 1.057% origination fee for all Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. There is a maximum loan amount that can be borrowed each year from the federal government with an aggregate loan limit based on your dependency status.
After being approved for a federal loan, you will have the option to Accept, Reject or Change (if you want a lower amount) the loan offer. This will be done through the Student Portal at myLipscomb. You will need to return to studentaid.gov to sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) and complete your Loan Entrance Counseling before loan funds can be disbursed.
If your parent applies for a Federal Parent PLUS loan and is denied, you may become eligible for an additional amount of Direct Unsubsidized Loans in the amount of $4,000 for freshmen and sophomores and $5,000 for junior and seniors for the year. IMPORTANT: In order for the student to be eligible for additional unsubsidized loans with a Parent PLUS Denial, the parent must select "Will not pursue PLUS Loan" after the denial decision is made. Leaving it blank or selecting the endorser option does not allow for the additional unsubsidized loan. The form can be found in the student's myLipscomb account.
- Loan amounts cannot be increased but they can be decreased. If you do not want to use the entire amount, overtype the total amount in your aid offer and use the Recalculate Loans button, then select the Accept Loans button.
- If this is your first Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan, you must also sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and complete Loan Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are obligations that you must repay. We urge you to read and understand the information reviewed on the Promissory Note and through the Entrance Counseling carefully. The studentaid.gov website also has resources to help you understand and estimate your repayments after you finish school. If you have other questions about borrowing for your education, please contact us at financialaid [at] lipscomb.edu (financialaid[at]lipscomb[dot]edu)
Private loans should be considered as a last resort when financing your college education. We strongly encourage you to borrow from the Federal Student Loan program before considering private loans. Generally, you will receive a better interest rate on Federal Student Loans than with private loans. However, if you need additional funding beyond your Federal Student Loan eligibility, private loans may help you cover unmet expenses.
Private loans are made by banks and other financial institutions and are subject to their terms. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check, and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.
Lipscomb University does not endorse or recommend any specific private loan product. In determining which private loan is best for your needs, we recommend you research and compare loan interest rates, fees, repayment options, and eligibility requirements.
Nerdwallet.com and Bankrate.com are 2 websites you can use to shop for the best terms for alternative student loans.