Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
Awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays your interest while you are in school, for the first six months after you leave school, and if you qualify to have your payments deferred.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Not awarded on the basis on financial need. The federal government does not pay the interest. You are responsible for paying the interest on an unsubsidized loan while in school, during the 6 month grace period, during deferment periods, and during repayment. You have the option of postponing interest payments while in school. However, be advised that the interest continues to accrue and any unpaid interest will be capitalized (added to the principal of the loan) as you enter repayment.
Direct Plus Loan (Parent Loan)
Parents of dependent undergraduate students with a good credit history may apply for the PLUS loan. The loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Repayment starts within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
How to Apply
- Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov/
- You must be attending at least half-time status (6 credit hours eligible for Title IV purposes) in order to be eligible to receive a student loan.
- Complete the Direct Loan Request Form by logging into My Vol State portal then click the Student Forms app. You will select the Loan Form from the Optional Financial Aid Forms menu.
- After being notified by the Financial Aid Office you must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note by signing in to StudentLoans.gov before your Direct Loan will be disbursed.
Your Loan History
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the US Department of Education’s central database for student aid. It provides a centralized, integrated view of federal student loans and Pell Grants that are tracked through your entire cycle of financial aid, from approval through closure. You may access your information through the Internet by visiting the NSLDS Student Access website.
Exit Interview
Federal regulations require all student loan borrowers to participate in an exit interview whenever they drop below half-time enrollment status, withdraw, graduate, or at the end of the spring semester each school year (as required by Volunteer State Community College). To complete this requirement, visit the Loan Exit Counseling website.
Student Loan Repayment
View information about repaying your Student Loans
Direct Subsidized Loan Limit
The Federal Loan limit for Subsidized loans is 150%. Click here for the full information.
