Student Loan Information & Forms

Jefferson College participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Detailed information regarding the program may be found at the Department of Education's Student Aid Website.

There are two types of Federal Direct Loans available to students:

1. Subsidized Loan - awarded to students with demonstrated financial need as determined by Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods. Repayment begins six months after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment. 

2. Unsubsidized Loan - not based on financial need.  The borrower is responsible for paying the interest on the loan from the time the loan is disbursed. Students can choose to pay the interest while attending school or can allow the interest to accrue.

Direct Loan interest rates are determined each June for new loans being made for the upcoming award year and posted online at StudentAid.gov.

Loan Eligibility Criteria

Student Loan Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in an eligible degree program in required coursework;
• Not be in default on a student loan;
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
• Have a High School Diploma or GED/HiSet Certificate;
• Have valid social security number;
• Not owe a refund on any Title IV program;
• Be making satisfactory academic progress;  
• Have signed a statement on the FAFSA certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes

Annual Loan Limits

The amount of loan you may request is based on your classification (freshman or sophomore) and your status (dependent or independent as determined by the FAFSA).  It is recommended that you borrow only what is necessary.  Students may receive less than the annual maximum amounts, since students cannot borrow more than the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

Steps to Apply for Federal Direct Loans:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). List Jefferson College (School Code: 002468) as your school (when possible, students should use unaltered IRS data imported into the FAFSA using the IRS data transfer feature on the FAFSA.

1. If the results of your processed FAFSA indicate you are selected for verification, submit the appropriate documents via the online portal at https://JEFFCO.PROED.org.
   

2. If you are a first-time borrower, complete Loan Entrance Counseling.  You will need your FSA ID and password to complete the Entrance Counseling.  If you have misplaced your FSA ID and/or password, please visit StudentAid.gov to retrieve it. 
3. If you are a first-time borrower or do not already have an active Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file with the Department of Education, complete a MPN.  You will need your FSA ID and password to complete the MPN. If you have misplaced your FSA ID and/or password, please visit StudentAid.gov to retrieve it.
4. Submit a completed Loan Request Form indicating the amount you wish to borrow to the Jefferson College Financial Aid Office.  Once your request for loan funds is processed, you will receive notification of the approved loan amount. The Department of Education will also send you a notice.

Loan Fees

There is an origination fee on Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. The loan fee is an expense of borrowing one of these loans. The loan fee is a percentage of the amount of each loan the borrower receives and is subtracted proportionately from each loan disbursement. Loan fees are established by the Department of Education and posted online at StudentAid.gov.

Disbursement

Loan Disbursements are not released until a student has attended the first 30 days of the semester, are disbursed in 2 payments, and sent directly to the school.  If prior to disbursement you wish to reduce or cancel your student loan, complete the Request to Reduce/Cancel Financial Aid form.