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The Subsidized Direct Loan is awarded on the basis of need. You will not be charged any interest prior to repayment or during any authorized periods of deferment. The federal government pays the interest on the loan until the time of repayment.

Criteria for Eligibility

• You must have "calculated need" as determined by the FAFSA.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville.
  • Undergraduate Student
  • You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You may not exceed annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits.

Direct Loan Limits

Annual and lifetime (total debt) limits for subsidized and unsubsidized student loans are mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. The amounts include the outstanding principal balance on the loans (excluding interest and other charges).

Click here to view Direct Loan Limits

The Unsubsidized Direct Loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You are responsible for any accruing interest during in-school and deferment periods. Interest accruing during those periods may be paid or capitalized as agreed by the borrower and lender.

Criteria for Eligibility

• You must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville.
  • Undergraduate Students - 6 hours
  • Graduate Students - 5 hours
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You may not exceed annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits.

Direct Loan Limits

Annual and lifetime (total debt) limits for subsidized and unsubsidized student loans are mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. The amounts include the outstanding principal balance on the loans (excluding interest and other charges).

Click Here to view Direct Loan Limits

The Direct Parent PLUS loan is a federal loan that parents of dependent undergraduate students can apply for to help pay educational expenses. The loan is based on the parents' credit score and the U.S. Department of Education is the lender. The maximum loan amount is calculated by subtracting the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

How do I apply for a Direct PLUS Loan?

To apply for the Parent PLUS Loan the student must:

• Have a completed FAFSA submitted to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville
• You must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville
• The student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). New incoming freshman students automatically meet SAP requirements. Only one parent needs to apply online at TAMUK is electronically notified of the application status within 72 hours.

If the loan is approved, the parent must complete the Master Promissory Note at . After the application is finalized, the calculated award will be added to the student’s award package. All funds are received electronically and are posted to the student’s billing account. Any excess funds will be disbursed by the University Business Office, according to the refund method indicated on the PLUS application.

(previously called the “Informed Borrowing Confirmation” process) was implemented in late April 2020 by DOE. This new process requires student and parent borrowers to log in to each year to review and acknowledge the total amount currently owed in federal student loans.

If the loan is not approved, the Office of Student Financial Aid will automatically increase the student unsubsidized loan up to an additional $4,000/$5,000 for the award year.

*Amount of increase is dependent on the student's classification level and remaining award eligibility.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (GradPLUS) loan is a low interest credit based loan for graduate and professional students provided by the Department of Education (DOE). You can borrow up to the total cost of attendance (minus any other financial aid awarded).

*If you are denied the Graduate PLUS loan due to an adverse credit history, you will not be eligible for any additional Unsubsidized Direct Loan funds.

How do I apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan? 
To apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan the student must:

• Have a completed FAFSA submitted to TAMUK
• Must be enrolled in at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville
• The student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). New incoming graduate students automatically meet SAP requirements.
• Apply online at  TAMUK is electronically notified of the application.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville highly recommends that you utilize the maximum annual amount available to you through the Direct Loan program before applying for the Graduate PLUS Loan.

(previously called the “Informed Borrowing Confirmation” process) was implemented in late April 2020 by DOE. This new process requires student and parent borrowers to log in to each year to review and acknowledge the total amount currently owed in federal student loans.

Interest Rate
The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan has a fixed interest rate. To review the current interest rate on Grad PLUS loans, please visit:  

Repayment
Repayment is deferred until the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment status.

Important Note: 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville uses a Historical Lender List and does not endorse or recommend any specific private lenders. Private loans are optional and should only be used if you have already explored all federal and state aid options.

Private (also called alternative) loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders to help cover college costs. These loans are not federal or state loans and should only be considered after you’ve applied for federal and state aid through the FAFSA.

Key Things to Know

• Last resort: Federal loans usually have lower interest rates and more repayment options.
• Credit check required: Most lenders require a credit-worthy borrower or cosigner.
• Rates and terms vary: Interest rates may be higher than federal loans and may change over time. Repayment terms depend on the lender.
• Eligibility: Usually based on your cost of attendance minus other aid. Some lenders also require half-time enrollment and good academic standing.
• Processing takes time: Start the application at least 30 days before your payment deadline. Private loans can take 4–6 weeks to process.

Application Steps

1. Choose a lender and apply directly on their website.
2. Complete the required credit review and forms.
3. If approved, the lender will send the loan to our office for certification.
4. Once certified, there is a 9-day right-to-cancel period where the borrower can cancel.
5. After 9-day period expires, funds will be sent to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø A&M University-Kingsville.

Tips When Choosing a Lender

• Compare interest rates, fees, repayment options, and borrower benefits.
• Ask if payments are required while you’re in school.
• Consider using a cosigner to help you qualify for better terms.

You can use the Loan Comparison Tool to explore lenders and compare options.