Federal Student Loans
The maximum amount a student may borrow is based on the program of study and demonstrated financial need. If the allowable cost of education exceeds the maximum Direct Loan eligibility, the student may borrow from the Graduate PLUS Loan. Entrance counseling is required for both Federal Direct Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.
Types of Federal Loan Programs
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan - Learn more »
A need-based loan where the government pays
the interest while the student is attending school on at
least a half-time basis, and during the 6 month after school grace
period. Up to 1% in allowable fees may be deducted from the loan
prior to disbursement. These funds must be repaid. Note: As of
July 1, 2012 the federal government is removing the interest-free
subsidy on the Direct Loan for graduate students.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan - Learn more »
A non-need based loan where the student is responsible
for all interest which accrues from the day of
disbursement (fixed interest rate of 6.8%). Up to 1% in allowable
fees may be deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. Repayment
begins 6 months after graduation. These funds must be
repaid.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan - Learn more »
A credit-based, non-need loan where the student is
responsible for all interest which accrues from the day
of disbursement (fixed interest rate of 7.9%). Up to 4% in
allowable fees may be deducted from the loan prior to disbursement.
The maximum amount cannot exceed the approved cost of education
(including all other aid) for the loan period. Repayment begins
immediately following graduation. These funds must be repaid.
Federal Perkins
Loan
A federal loan available to
financially needy students that are enrolled at least half-time.
There are limited funds available for this loan. An eligible
student may qualify for up to $1000 a trimester. The Federal
Perkins Loan has a 5% fixed interest rate; there are no fees.
Repayment of the loan begins 9 months after a student ceases to be
enrolled at least half-time. These funds must be repaid.
More Information
View the most recent federal loan interest rates.
Most loan and scholarship programs require students to maintain standards of satisfactory academic progress.
Allowable Loan Maximums - DC
| Loan Program | Maximum Per Period (Prior to 7/1/2012) |
Maximum Per Period (After 7/1/2012) |
| Federal Direct Subsidized | $8,500 | $0 |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized | $23,111 | $31,611 |
| Academic Period Maximum | $31,611 | $31,611 |
| Graduate PLUS | no maximum* | no maximum* |
Note: A period is two trimesters.
* The maximum Graduate PLUS Loan (including any other financial aid) cannot exceed the approved budget for the loan period.
Aggregate Direct Loan Maximums - DC
| Loan Program | Maximum |
| Federal Direct Subsidized | $65,500 |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized | $158,500 |
| Aggregate Maximum | $224,000 |
NUHS-St. Petersburg Students
Doctor of chiropractic students enrolled at our Florida campus are eligible for financial aid under the same guidelines as DC students enrolled at our Lombard campus. All financial aid programs for NUHS students are administered through the Lombard campus, and NUHS-St. Petersburg students may utilize the same online resources to begin their financial aid application process.
