At Colorado State University student loans they encourage you to make informed decisions when taking out a student loan and only borrow the amount of funds needed to successfully complete your education.
Student loans are a type of loan designed to help students pay for post-secondary education and the associated fees, such as tuition, books, and living expenses. In the United States, student loans can come from the government, as well as from private sources such as banks and other financial institutions. To obtain a student loan, you typically need to fill out a loan application and provide information about your financial need, academic history, and other relevant factors.
Unlike grants or work-study, a loan is money that must be repaid – you are legally obligated to repay your loans (even if you do not complete your program), so we encourage you to fully read and understand the terms and conditions of each loan type before accepting a loan.
The minimum requirements for consideration of any federal loan is a complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), admission into a degree-seeking program, at least half-time enrollment and cannot be in default on a Federal educational loan or owe a repayment of Federal Title IV aid. Click on a loan type below for expanded information on each loan types.
SEE ALSO:
- When Do Student Loan Payments Resume – Studentaid.gov
- Apply for Barclays Student Loan in UK (Requirements & Procedures)
- How to apply for Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF)
- Apply for $25,000 Cobell Scholarships in USA
Types of students loans in Colorado State University
- Federal Loans to Students
- Federal Loans to Parents
- Short Term Loans
- Alternative Education Loans
Federal Loans to Students Colorado State University
1. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (Stafford Loans)
What is the difference between a direct subsidized loan and a subsidized federal Stafford Loan?
A Stafford Loan and a Direct Loan are essentially the same type of loan; the principal difference is the lender. In the case of a Stafford Loan a bank or savings and loan or credit union is the lender whereas the federal government is the lender of a Direct Loan.
2. Graduate PLUS Loans
Colorado State University participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (Direct Loans). PLUS Loans are funded by the Department of Education. Students must meet eligibility criteria to receive the Graduate PLUS loan.
NB: There is no aggregate loan limit.
Applying and Next Steps:
- You can apply for a Graduate PLUS loan on studentaid.gov
- Complete a Graduate PLUS Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.
3. Health Professions Student Loan
The Health Professions Loan (HPL) is a subsidized, low-interest loan available to students enrolled in the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program with financial need. Funds are provided from the Department of Health and Human Services and from payments collected from prior students repaying their HPL.
4. Federal Perkins Loans
This loan program expired September 2017 and is no longer being awarded. Information about repaying a Perkins loan is available on the Business and Financial Services website.
SEE ALSO:
- Nelnet Student Loan & Portal Sign in, Requirements, How to Apply
- SAAS Student Loan/Funding Application [Eligibility, How to Apply]
- Student Loan Company Email [SLC Contact Email Address]
Student loan cancellation requests at University of Colorado
If you would like to cancel or reduce a loan that hasn’t paid out yet, navigate to your financial aid awards page and click on the “request changes to your student loans” option. From there you can submit a cancellation request and specify the amount of loan you’d like to cancel.
If the loan has already paid out, you may cancel all or a portion of your loan by submitting a borrower loan cancellation form. The request must be submitted within 14 days from the date of disbursement.
Cancellation or reduction to your loan may result in a balance being owed to the University. Failure to pay a balance owed by the due date could result in late fees and/or prevent future enrollment.
Institutional Loans to Students Colorado State University
1. CSU RAM Loan
Loans made through the RAM Loan Program are low-interest student loans for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. CSU is the lender and loan servicer. Click here to learn more about RAM loan terms and eligibility
2. Short Term Loans
A short term is available to students who have no balance owed to CSU and are in good academic standing. These loans are designed to meet the current term needs of a student.
How to Apply for Colorado State University student loans
To apply for a student loan at The Colorado State University, you must
- First complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Accept your loan(s) on RAMweb
- Complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Colorado State University does not endorse or recommend one lender over another and cannot provide a list of lenders because of the wide range terms offered by individual financial institutions. We encourage you to check if your personal bank offers an alternative loan and to also use mainstream internet resources to search for and review lenders. We will certify a loan through any lender, if you meet that lender’s eligibility criteria.
Some lenders offer loans for parents or other creditworthy individuals to borrow on behalf of the student.
During the application process, your lender will require that you submit a Self-Certification form. This form will ask for information about your cost of attendance and estimated financial assistance to help determine the amount of your loan.
Borrowers are protected by the Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
If you decide you want to apply for an private loan, your lender will send a certification request to our office and we will review your eligibility based on your lenders requirements. Certifications are generally reviewed within 1 week from the day we receive it from your lender. Watch your RAMweb account to respond to questions. You will have a requirement posted to your RAMweb regarding your loan certification once we have received this request from your bank.
Provided you are eligible for the loan, funds are disbursed from your lender to your student account. The timing of disbursement will vary from lender to lender. At minimum, your loan will disburse no sooner than 10 days prior to the first day of classes or at least three business days from the time your lender sends you the Final Disclosure notice, whichever is later.
Difference between Federal and Private student loans
- For Federal student loans, repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time. While, for Private student loan could require payments while you are still in school.
- Interest rates are fixed and could be lower than private loans and credit cards. While, Private loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, some above 18%.
- Undergraduate students with financial need will likely qualify for a subsidized loan where the government pays the interest while you are enrolled half-time. While, Interest is accruing while you are in school.
- With the exception on PLUS loans, federal loans don’t require a credit check. While, Requires a credit check. The interest rate will depend on year credit score and other factors.
- You don’t need a cosigner on federal loans is most cases while, For private loans, you may need a cosigner.
- Interest may be tax deductible. While, for private loans interest may be tax deductible.
- You can consolidate all of your federal loans while for private You cannot consolidate private loans with your federal loans.
- If you are having trouble repaying your loan, you may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments. While Private student loans may not offer forbearance or deferment options.
- For Federal, Multiple repayment options. while for private Check with your lender to see what repayment options are available.
- For Federal, There is no prepayment penalty fee. While for private, Prepayment penalty fees may exist.
- For Federal, you may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service. While for private loans, It is unlikely that your lender will offer a loan forgiveness program.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans?
- Subsidized loans are need-based and available to undergraduate students. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you are in school at least half-time.
- Unsubsidized loans are not need-based and are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Interest is accruing while you are in school.
What do I need to know about loans?
Repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, drop below half time, or withdraw.
Direct Student Loans will be prorated for any undergraduate student who enrolls in only one semester and will graduate in the same academic year.
The prorated loan amount is determined by dividing the number of credits a student is enrolled in by 24, multiplied by the annual loan limit.
What do I need to know about Graduate PLUS?
- You must be a graduate or professional student.
- Requires a credit check; you cannot have adverse credit history.
- Interest accrues while you are in school or in deferment.
- Repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, drop below half time, or withdraw.
- Annual Limit: Cost of attendance minus all other aid.
