Direct Loans
INTRODUCTION:
The Federal Direct Loan program is a federally-funded loan program available to students who need additional resources to pay for educationally related expenses. This loan program should be considered only as a last resort after all other options have been considered. Remember that loans must be repaid! Typically, repayment begins 6 months after you are no longer enrolled at a minimum of 6 credits. Students must complete exit loan counseling before they withdraw, drop below 6 units, or graduate.
TYPES OF LOANS AVAILABLE:
The following are the Federal Direct loans that are offered at College of the Redwoods through the Department of Education. NOTE: We do not process private student loans.
- Your school determines the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive.
- The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan
- while you’re in school at least half-time,
- for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period*), and
- during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).
- For the Subsidized Loan Limits, Interest Rate and Origination Fees, visit https://studentaid.gov
- Your school determines the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive.
- You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.
- If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan).
- For the Unsubsidized Loan Limits, Interest Rate and Origination Fees, visit https://studentaid.gov
- Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students.
- Interested parents can get more information about limits, interest rates and origination fees at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent
- Parents may apply for a PLUS online at www.studentaid.gov.
- The interest rate is fixed and a credit check is required. The credit check is applicable for up to 180 days. The credit check is a hard inquiry on your credit history.
- Direct PLUS Loans are loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for educational expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.
- Parents completing an electronic PLUS MPN or applying for a PLUS loan must use their own FSA ID, not their child's FSA ID.
- The parent is the borrower of a Parent PLUS loan and will be responsible for repayment, not the student.
- Parent PLUS borrowers must be the biological or adoptive parent of a dependent undergraduate or the spouse of the parent whose income and assets were reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or would be reported if a FAFSA were filed.
- If you are experiencing issues with the Parent PLUS Loan Application online, please contact the Student Loan Support Center at: 1-800-557-7394. College of the Redwoods does not oversee the online application process.
- If you are having issues with your FSA ID and Password, please contact the FSA ID help center at: 1-800-433-3243, College of the Redwoods does not have administrative access to your login credentials.
HOW TO REQUEST A DIRECT STUDENT/PARENT LOAN:
- Direct Loan Request Process Page - (Click Here to get Started)
- You can find the instructions for requesting a direct loan, as well as any additional information such as eligibility requirements, deadlines and loan processing status on the direct loan request process page, linked above.
- All students interested in a federal student loan must submit a request as we do not automatically award student loans. To begin this process you must start with completing the FAFSA and all required documents, because you must first have your eligibility for other types of aid determined before your loan request can be considered. Please review the types of loans we offer above before requesting a student loan.
- Parent PLUS Loan Application and Process Page - (Click Here to Get Started)
- Parents can review instructions and resources for applying for a Parent PLUS Loan on our Parent PLUS Loan Process page at the link above.
- Parents may apply for a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) online at https://studentaid.gov
- Parents can estimate their payments by using this calculator: Loan Simulator
- Students must also have a completed FAFSA on file and meet all federal eligibility requirements in order for a parent to receive a PLUS Loan.
- If you are experiencing issues with the Parent PLUS Loan Application online, please contact the Student Loan Support Center at: 1-800-557-7394. College of the Redwoods does not oversee the online application process.
- If you are having issues with your FSA ID and Password, please contact the FSA ID help center at: 1-800-433-3243, College of the Redwoods does not have administrative access to your log in credentials.
STUDENT LOAN RESOURCES:
College of the Redwoods is dedicated to assisting student borrowers with managing their student loans, we have developed some online resources to provide students with guidance on a variety of student loan topics. Please visit the pages below to learn more about your student loans and the resources available to assist you. Each link will take you to a webpage that will include links to outside resources, on campus resources, and video playlists.
ADDITIONAL LOAN COUNSELING (optional):
If you have any questions about the loan request process or repaying your loans you can:
- Drop-In: Admissions & Financial Aid Service Window or Welcome Center
- Call: Financial Aid Office at 707-476-4182
- Email: studentloanassistance@redwoods.edu | FinAid@redwoods.edu