Entrance Counseling provides you, the student, with important information regarding your rights and responsibilities associated with borrowing Direct Loans. You may only use your student loan money to pay for authorized educational expenses outlined in the Cost of Attendance. Please remember to borrow conservatively. Only borrow what you need to cover the cost of your education and never borrow more than you can afford to repay, even if you are eligible to borrow more. You are responsible for repaying your loans regardless of whether you complete your program of study, obtain employment, or otherwise become dissatisfied.
Terms and Conditions
Repayment for your Direct Loans begins six months after you graduate, withdraw, stop attending, or your enrollment status is less than half-time. The standard repayment term for a Direct Loans is ten years and the interest rate may vary depending on the type of Direct Loan and the disbursement date.
The federal government pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while in school. Direct Unsubsidized Loans accrue interest while in school and you do have the option to pay the interest while enrolled which will reduce the overall cost of your loan. Read more about Federal Direct Loans and the terms and conditions associated with them.
You are required to complete exit counseling when you graduate, withdraw, stop attending, or your enrollment status is less than half-time.
Enrollment Requirement
Federal Student Loans are available to all qualifying degree-seeking students, as well as eligible post-baccalaureate and graduate students. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be admitted to an eligible program, and be attending at least half-time to receive aid.
Undergraduate and PBTC students will need to register for six credits within a 16-week semester to be considered half time. Twelve credits within a 16-week semester will be considered full time.
Graduate students will need to register for five credits within a 16-week semester to be considered half time. As most courses are three credits each, this likely means registering for two courses. Nine credits within a 16-week semester will be considered full time.
Loan Disbursements
Direct Loans are awarded in substantially equal disbursements based on a student’s planned enrollment for the academic year. Disbursement dates shown on your Disclosure Statement and WebCat are estimates only. The actual disbursement dates depend on when your loan requirements are completed and the end of the drop period for your coursework each term.
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (888) 228-3000 ext. 392 or financialaid.cps@unh.edu for questions, assistance, and additional information.