Financial Aid
Loan Programs
All students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive any form of the following loans with the exception of the National Guard Service Cancelable Loan. Additional applications may be required. Please note that Georgia Southern University is a Direct Lending institution and does not certify loans from outside lenders (i.e. Sallie Mae, Citibank).
Federal
Direct Stafford Loan
The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program provides low-interest, long-term
loans through Georgia Southern University. These loans are available in
either Subsidized (need-based) or Unsubsidized (non-need based) funds.
Funding for these loans is provided through the Department of Education. To
be eligible for Stafford Loans, students must be enrolled at least half-time
(6 semester hours or more for undergraduates; 4 hours or more fall and spring and 3 hours or more during summer for graduates) in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
The loan amount available is determined by the student's classification. For
additional information, browse the Department
of Education Direct Loan website.
Federal
Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Parents of full-time dependent students may be eligible for a PLUS loan to
cover additional educational expenses. This loan is available through
Georgia Southern University and is funded through the Department of
Education. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance, less other
financial assistance received during the loan period. To apply students must
complete the Georgia Southern University
Parent PLUS Application and submit the FAFSA.
Federal
Perkins Loan
The Federal Perkins Loan is a long term, low-interest loan available to
students demonstrating exceptional financial need. It is available on a
first-come, first-serve basis through Georgia Southern University. The
typical award is $2000 per school year.
Georgia
Service Cancelable Loans
The Georgia Student Finance Commission offers loans to students pursuing
specific professions who will cancel their debt by service in that
profession. Currently, Georgia Southern participates in the following
Service Cancelable Loan programs. Please note the contact information
beside each program for more details:
- Nursing (School of Nursing)
- Nursing Education (advanced degree) (School of Nursing)
- National Guard (Army and Air) (Contact your Commanding Officer)
- Dietetics (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program, authorized by Congress in February 2006, is available beginning in the 2006-2007 academic year.
Students must:
- Enroll as a graduate or professional student.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Receive a determination of the maximum Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
- Enroll at least half-time for the semester (4 hours fall and spring; 3 hours summer).
- Pass a credit check completed by the lender.
- Meet all other Title IV federal financial aid program requirements, such as Quality Assurance requirements, Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements and eligible citizenship requirements.