Student Loans

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Direct Student Loans
Direct Student Loans are low-interest loans for students to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. Direct Subsidized Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2010, have an interest rate of 4.5% while Direct Unsubsidized Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2010, have an interest rate of 6.8%. In addition to interest, you pay a loan fee of up to 2.5% of the principal amount of each Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan that you receive.

Direct Subsidized Loans are loans for students with financial need, as determined by federal regulations. No interest is charged while you are in school at least half-time, during your grace period and during deferment periods.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans for students that are not based on financial need. Interest is charged during all periods.

To apply for a Direct Student Loan the student must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file with the Office of Student Financial Services. Please see the information in Apply for Assistance for more details.

>	Direct Lending
>	Managing your student loans
>	Entrance Counseling
>	Master Promissory Note
>	Exit Counseling
>	Loan Consolidation
>	Loan Repayment Options
>	Loan forgiveness programs for teachers and public service
>	Assistance with repayment of student loans
>	Finding your Financial Aid History
	Helpful Information Regarding Repaying your Student Loans ***Note to students interested in private loan funding*** Please return the completed pages linked below to allow you to apply for loans from private sources. Athens State does not recommend private student loans or lenders. The use of private student loans is at the sole discretion of the student. Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification.