Loans
Loans are financial aid monies that must be repaid.
Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized) and Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available at Dickinson State University. The interest rates are expected to be set on July 1.
[NOTE: Due to sequestration, the origination fees for Direct Loans may change.]
Prior to the release of the first Federal Direct Loan disbursement, students must accept the loan in Campus Connection, complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentloans.gov. Forbearance, Deferment and Cancellation of Loan information can be found on the Master Promissory Note.
Loan funds that are received electronically are credited directly to the student’s account. Loan funds that arrive in the form of a check must be endorsed by the student and then will be credited to the student’s account. Any funds in excess of the amount owed the University at the time of disbursement are considered “excess aid” and may be disbursed to the student in the form of a check or direct deposit transaction. Disbursement could be delayed if a student has not completed a MPN and Entrance Loan Counseling, are not enrolled at least half-time, or have a “hold” on their account.
Direct Subsidized Loan may be awarded to students who are enrolled at least half-time and have need. If eligible, a freshman may borrow up to $3,500, a sophomore (or a student in a two-year program) may borrow up to $4,500, and a junior or senior may borrow up to $5,500. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $23,000. Repayment begins six months after graduation or if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
If applicable, a new borrower is eligible to receive Direct Subsidized Loans up to 150 percent of the time it takes to complete the educational program. For example, a student enrolled in a two-year program will have three years' worth of subsidized loan eligibility and a student in a four-year program will have six years' worth of subsidized loan eligibility. The borrower becomes responsible for the accruing interest during all periods as of the date the borrower exceeds the 150 percent limit.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a non-need based program for those ineligible for (any or all of) the Direct Subsidized Loan. The student is responsible for the interest payment while enrolled. The additional annual loan limit for dependent undergraduate students is $2,000. The additional annual loan limit for independent undergraduate students (or students whose parents are unable to obtain Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) is $6,000 a year for the first and second years of study and $7,000 for the third and fourth years of study. Repayment begins six months after graduation or if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
The aggregate loan amount for dependent students is $31,000; the aggregate loan for independent students is $57,500.
NOTE: Exit Loan Counseling is required at the time a student graduates, drops below half-time status or terminates enrollment at Dickinson State University.
Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enable parents to borrow money to help pay for their children’s education. Parents may borrow on behalf of a dependent student. The maximum loan amount that a parent may borrow for each dependent student is the difference between the cost of attendance and any other financial assistance. The PLUS loan requires a separate application. If the period of enrollment is more than one semester, there will be multiple disbursements. Generally, the loan enters repayment within 60 days of the final disbursement. To apply, go to www.studentloans.gov, complete the PLUS Request Process and a Master Promissory Note.
NOTE: Students may be granted loan forgiveness if they meet certain criteria. Examples include the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (for borrowers who make 120 payments on a qualified loan while employed full-time in a public service job) or the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. To find out more about the eligibility requirements for teacher loan forgiveness and about deferment provisions, visit the Cancellation/Deferment Option for Teachers at www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa > How to Repay Your Loans > Forgiveness, Cancellation, and Discharge. For information about the Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program or the Technology Occupations Student Loan Forgiveness Program in the state of North Dakota, visit www.ndus.edu > Students > Paying for College.
Nursing Student Loan (NSL) may be awarded according to availability of revolving funds. It is a 5% interest loan with a $3,300 per year limit for the first two years and a $5,200 per year limit for subsequent years (maximum $17,000). If eligible for this loan at Dickinson State University, the minimum amount is $400. NSL regulations require verification of student information. Students need to complete a Nursing Student Loan Master Promissory and Entrance Loan Counseling. Repayment (through Student Loan Service Center, Dept. 3180, PO Box 6050, Fargo ND 58108-6050) begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time in a nursing program.
Nursing Education Loan is awarded by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a nursing program approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. The loan amounts are up to $2,000 for the Associate in Science in Practical Nursing program and up to $3,000 for baccalaureate completion programs. Repayment is by nursing employment in North Dakota after graduation and/or by monetary repayments. The application is available at www.ndbon.org>Education; the deadline is July 1.