These loans are made through the Federal Direct Loan Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. They can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Students can receive a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period. Repayment begins six months after graduation or six months after enrollment status is less than half-time (five or fewer credits).
A subsidized loan is awarded based on financial need. Financial need is calculated by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the cost of attendance (COA). The SAI is determined by the Department of Education and is calculated from your data on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (). The COA of undergraduate programs is determined by the University. Interest on this loan is not charged while students are in school and enrolled for six or more credits.
An unsubsidized loan is a non-need-based loan program. Students will be charged interest on this loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid off. The interest can accrue during enrollment and other periods of non-payment, but it will be capitalized. If this interest is not paid during enrollment, it is accrued and added to the principal balance of the loan. Capitalization occurs the day the grace (or deferment) period expires. This additional amount subsequently accrues interest, which adds an additional expense to the loan.