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Loans - Columbus State University

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Office of Financial Aid

Loans

Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Student must have a valid FAFSA on file to receive a federal loan. The Cohort Loan Default rate for Columbus State University was 10.1 for fiscal year 2016 as of January 26, 2019.


Federal Student Loan Programs

Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan

This loan is awarded on the basis on financial need. You will not be charged any interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government "subsidizes" the interest during these periods. You must be enrolled at least half time, and complete Entrance Loan Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) before the loan can pay to your account.

Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

This loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You'll be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized—that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount. This will increase the amount you have to repay. You must be enrolled at least half time, complete Entrance Loan Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) before the loan can pay to your account.

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates are set every July 1.

Loan Counseling

You must complete the following 2 steps to finalize processing of an educational loan request:

  1. Complete Entrance Counseling at https://studentaid.gov/.
  2. Complete and Sign your electronic Master Promissory Note at https://studentaid.gov/. Select Complete New MPN for Student Loans on the left. You will use your FSA ID to sign your promissory note. This is the same ID used to complete the FAFSA application. If you do not have an FSA ID, you should first register at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing (allow 3 to 5 days) before attempting to complete step 2.

State Loan Program

Student Access Loan (SAL)

This is a need based loan available to undergraduate students that are Georgia residents. Students must have remaining need after utilizing all other aid, including Stafford loans. Applications are approved on a lottery basis up to $8,000 per academic year, with the application period typically opening in June.

Student Access Loan Eligibility Requirements (Effective starting the 2018-2019 Academic Year)

GSFC Requirements:

  • GA Resident
  • US Citizen
  • Must have FAFSA on file
  • Student must be accepted into and pursing a Bachelors or Associates Degree
  • Making SAP or on approved academic plan
  • Have demonstrated unmet need per FAFSA Calculation
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 hours

CSU Requirements (Institutional)

Must be meeting quantitative (pace) SAP requirements:

  • Must have 2.0 Cumulative GPA
  • Federal loan limits must not exceed $25,000 aggregate for dependent students and $40,000 for independent students

Students not meeting the above criteria may submit an appeal to the Director of Financial Aid, to be reviewed by committee.

All students approved for SAL must complete the promissory note that GSFC provides, have it notarized, and return to GSFC AND must complete CSU SAL counseling, which will be a form that can be completed in our Enrollment Services Center located in University Hall or via email.

Student Access Loan Application

Student Access Loan Entrance Counseling (PDF)

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