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Alternative Loans
Federal Loans
Description / Requirements
Federal Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) rather than a bank or other financial institution.
Student loan borrowing cannot exceed the cost of attendance, nor may you borrow over the annual and lifetime aggregates that are set for the Federal Loan. The Department of Education assesses an origination fee on each loan upon disbursement. The type of loan you are offered is based upon the results of the FAFSA.
With Federal Loans, you:
- Borrow directly from the federal government and have a single contact-the Direct Loan Servicing Center—for everything related to the repayment of your loans, even if you receive Federal Loans at different schools.
- Have online access to your Federal Loan account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Federal Student Aid website.
- Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change.
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan (Sub)
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Unsub)
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents of Dependent Students
Federal Loan Requirements
Students
Entrance Counseling
What is Entrance Counseling?
- The Federal Government requires you complete entrance counseling the first time you receive a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) to ensure you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming. Completing this will not start repayment.
- If you are completing entrance counseling for the first time as an undergraduate student, the entrance counseling fulfills the counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
- If you are completing entrance counseling for the first time as a graduate or professional student, the entrance counseling fulfills the counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.
Who should complete this?
Students who have not received a subsidized/unsubsidized loan or PLUS loan (graduate/professional students only) under the Direct Loan Program or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program.
How long will it take?
The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20-30 minutes.
What do I need?
- Verified FSA ID
- School Name
- Details on your income, financial aid, and living expenses
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
What is a Master Promissory Note?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).
Who should complete this?
- Students who have not received a subsidized/unsubsidized loan or PLUS loan (graduate/professional students only) under the Direct Loan Program or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program
- And/or students who previously filled out an MPN over 10 years ago.
How long will it take?
The MPN can be completed in 10-15 minutes.
What do I need?
- Verified FSA ID
- School Name
Exit Counseling
What is Exit Counseling?
Exit counseling provides important information about repayment of your federal student loan(s). It is similar to the entrance counseling you completed when you signed your Master Promissory Note.
Who should complete this?
If you have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Educational Loan (FFEL) Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you:
- Drop below half-time enrollment
- Graduate
- Leave school
How long will it take?
The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20-30 minutes.
Parents
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
What is a Master Promissory Note?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).
Who should complete this?
- Students who have not received a subsidized/unsubsidized loan or PLUS loan (graduate/professional students only) under the Direct Loan Program or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program
- And/or students who previously filled out an MPN over 10 years ago.
How long will it take?
The MPN can be completed in 10-15 minutes.
What do I need?
- Verified FSA ID
- School Name
Parent PLUS Credit Counseling
What is Parent PLUS Credit Counseling?
PLUS Credit Counseling will help students and parents understand the obligations associated with borrowing a PLUS loan and assist them in making careful decisions about taking on student loan debt.
PLUS Credit Counseling is required if the U.S. Department of Education has informed you that you have an adverse credit history and you have:
- Obtained an endorser or
- Documented extenuating circumstances to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education
PLUS Credit Counseling can be completed voluntarily at any time. If PLUS Credit Counseling is completed voluntarily and you are determined to have an adverse credit history by the U.S. Department of Education within 30 days of PLUS Credit Counseling completion, your PLUS Credit Counseling requirement will be considered to be fulfilled.
Who should complete this?
Parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students
State Loans
Description / Requirements
The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students who are unable to meet the cost of attendance.
For eligibility, renewal and other information: THECB website.
Alternative Loans
Description / Requirements
Alternative loans should be considered once you have explored the options available through the Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized and/or PLUS loan programs. Some families turn to alternative loans when the federal loans don't provide enough money, they need more flexible repayment options, or when the student is not eligible for federal funding.
Sam Houston State University utilizes ELMSelect, a neutral lender and product comparison tool. Click to view our suggested Lender List for Undergraduate and Graduate students. We recommend these lenders based on the products and services they provide to students. However, if you wish to use another lender that is not on this list, you have the right to do so.
Semester Loans
Description / Requirements
A semester loan, also known as an Bearkat Payment Extension Loan (BPEL) and/or Short-term Loan (STL), is a short-term funding option to assist with educational expenses (books, materials, etc...). These loans are disbursed through the University, and they differ from Federal Loans.
- Semester loans are open to all SHSU students who meet the eligibility requirements.
- Students must register for classes before applying for the loan.
- Bearkat Payment Extension Loan (BPEL)
- Short-term Loan (STL)
Bearkat Payment Extension Loan (BPEL)
The Bearkat Payment Extension Loan (BPEL) defers payment on the Payment Plan for up to 90 days in Fall/Spring and up to 30 days in Summer. BPELs are available for each installment based on the availability of funding. The amount of the loan is calculated at the time of application. Schedule changes may require additional tuition & fees loans. Students will be charged a 5% per annum interest charge over the loan period. BPEL covers current charges only.
Requirements
- 2.0 GPA (3.0 for Graduate Students)
- No outstanding balances for the semester (i.e. police/library fines)
- No University holds
- Enrolled in at least one (1) hour of classes
Short-term Loan (STL)
These loans will be available to all SHSU who meet the eligibility requirements and have a COMPLETED Financial Aid file. Loans are disbursed directly to the student for book purchase. Students will be charged a 10% per annum interest charge over the loan period. An additional $30.00 will be charged if any payment is late.
Requirements
- Students must be enrolled in at least six (6) hours of classes.
Apply for a Semester Loan