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Federal Direct Loans

Important Information for Stafford Borrowers

  • Freshmen may borrow up to $5,500 per year; sophomores $6,500; junior and seniors $7,500.

  • Independent students may borrow additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan funds.

  • Federal Direct Loans enter repayment 6 months after graduation or when a student is enrolled less than half-time (6 credits for undergraduates and 5 credits for graduate students).

  • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits to receive a loan.

  • Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits to receive a loan.

  • The Subsidized Federal Direct Loan interest rate is 5.5%. An origination fee of 1.057% of principal will be withheld at disbursement.

  • The Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan interest rate is 5.5% for undergraduate students and 7.05% for graduate students.  An origination fee of 1.057% of principal will be withheld at disbursement.

If you are eligible for the Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, the amount(s) you are eligible for will be on your financial aid offer. You must accept the Federal Direct Loan funds by clicking on the "Loans" link on the left side of the e-services page. Access your award letter and the loans link at E-Services.

  • Enter your STAR ID and Password
  • Financial Aid
  • Loans

Attention First Time Federal Direct Loan Borrowers -  You must:

Complete  Entrance Counseling AND a Master Promissory note at studentaid.gov. BEFORE your loan will be certified by SMSU.

All students must complete the Loan application and Submission

Disclosure Statement

Students who have completed the Entrance Counseling, Federal Direct Loan Authorization and Master Promissory will be sent a Disclosure Statement. This Disclosure Statement will come from the Department of Education. Make certain to keep this information with a copy of your Master Promissory Note.

Code of Conduct

The SMSU Financial Aid Office staff are committed to helping students obtain educational funding.  Each staff member has signed the Code of Conduct.

Last Modified: 5/25/23 10:19 AM | Website Feedback