Loans | Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (2024)

Educational Loans

A loan is a form of financial aid which must be repaid. The terms for repayment are specified in the promissory note that the recipient signs prior to receipt of the first loan disbursem*nt. Before signing the promissory note, students should thoroughly understand all their rights and responsibilities concerning any loan received.

There are many different types of loans that you should familiarize yourself with before deciding which type is right for you. Below is a brief description of each. To find out more, use the navigation links on the left hand side to find out more.

Plus Loans Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

A low-cost student loan offered to parents of an undergraduate student. With a PLUS Loan, the parent borrows money on the student's behalf. To be eligible for a PLUS Loan, a student must be enrolled at least half-time, and the parent has to pass a standard credit check. Parents may borrow up to the difference between education costs and financial aid received. Repayment begins two months after the loan proceeds are disbursed and must be repaid within ten years. The student is required to complete a FAFSA to determine other Federal Aid eligibility (including the Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan) before the parent can apply for the PLUS loan.

Plus Loans for Graduate / Professional Students

Effective July 1, 2006, Graduate or professional students are now eligible to borrow under the PLUS Loan Program. PLUS loan applicants are required to complete a FAFSA on a yearly basis to determine other Federal Aid eligibility and must have applied for their annual loan maximum eligibility under the Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) loan program(s) before applying for the Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loans

The Federal Subsidized Direct Loan is a long-term loan made by the Federal Government. The loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education or other guarantee agencies.

The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the borrower is in school. Six months after at least half-time enrollment ends, repayment of the loan begins.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan Program

The terms and conditions of the loan are the same as the subsidized programexcept the borrower must pay the interest while attending college. Students may borrow the difference between Expected Cost of Attendance and "reasonable available financial assistance"up to the maximum available loan limits.

Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the borrower ceases to be at least a half-time student. Interest accruing during in-school, grace period and deferments may be paid or capitalized as agreed by the borrower. A loan fee of up to 4% will be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed.

Alternate/Private Loans

From time to time, students find themselves in need of additional loan funds in order to meet their cost of attendance. In addition to the Federal Stafford Loan program(s), the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships makes available loan information for various credit-based loans offered by lenders to students attending California State University San Bernardino. Students with remaining unmet need and who meet the lenders’ eligibility requirements may be eligible to borrow additional loan funds.

Terms and conditions vary between loan products and may vary when borrowing with a cosigner. Students and cosigners are encouraged to research each loan program carefully, taking into consideration all terms to the loan, before making a decision to borrow.

Dream Loan

The California Dream Loan is a subsidized loan program for undergraduate students with a valid California Dream Act application and a valid AB540 affidavit on file with their University.

The purpose of the California DREAM Loan Program is to ensure that students who meet AB-540 criteria and DREAM Loan eligibility requirements have access to additional forms of funding to help them afford a public higher education.

CSUSB Emergency Loan

Through the generosity of the Associated Students, Alumni Association and the Foundation at CSUSB, students may borrow up to 100% of tuition costs. The Bailey emergency loan, which is available for other non-tuition expenses, is available for up to $600.

Emergency loans are available throughout the school year. Repayment of the loan is due by the last lecture day of each term. Any student who has completed the registration process at CSUSB and has at least a 2.5 GPA may apply. You must apply online,Students Financial Services- Emergency Loan.

M. Jeanne Hogenson International Student Loan Program

The Associated Students of CSUSB established the International Student Loan Fund so that international students may borrow a maximum of $500 in short-term emergency loans. Any enrolled international student with an F-1 visa is eligible. A letter of recommendation must be obtained from the Director of International Student Services. Repayment arrangements are made through the university's Student Financial Services located in University Hall, Room 035 where applications for the loans are available.

Code of Conduct

The Higher Education Act of August 14, 2008, includes provisions that campuses participating in Title IV programs publishes a code of conduct which describes prohibited practices in loan programs. As a campus in the California State University system, Cal State San Bernardino adheres to the Student Loan – Code of Conduct as described within the CSU. See theCSU Code of Conduct for more information.

Loans
 | Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (2024)

FAQs

Should you answer yes to need based financial aid? ›

Need based grants examples include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and state-based grants. In other words, always say “yes” to grants if your child receives them on the financial aid award! However, check into the requirements for the grant.

What do you say when asking for financial aid? ›

Your letter should clearly state the facts of your family's financial situation and your financial need. It should explain why you need additional aid, even if the reason is something you find difficult or even embarrassing to talk about. Be candid and honest about your family finances.

What if my federal student loan is not enough? ›

Request Additional Federal Student Loans

If you've exhausted other options and still need additional funds to help you pay for school, contact your school's financial aid office to find out if you're eligible for additional federal student loans.

Why is FAFSA not giving me money? ›

Students must be in good academic standing to receive federal aid. The required GPA varies from school to school, but typically students need a 2.0 or higher. If your grades fall below the minimum GPA, you could lose eligibility for financial aid. See also: What GPA do you need to get a full scholarship?

Should you say yes on financial aid common app? ›

What if you are unsure if you are eligible for financial aid? Every college should have its own Net Price Calculator, found on its website (federal policy ensures they have one). Try inputting your family's financial numbers to see if you qualify for aid. If you do, confidently mark "Yes" on the Common App question.

Do you have to accept financial aid loans? ›

You can decline a loan. You should only borrow what is needed. If your living expenses aren't going to be as high as the amount estimated by the school, you have the right to decline (turn down) the loan or request a lower loan amount.

Does fafsa ask how much money you have? ›

Add the account balances of your (and if married, your spouse's) cash, savings, and checking accounts as of the day you submit the FAFSA form. Enter the total of all accounts as the total current balance.

How to get more loan money from FAFSA? ›

If you need more financial aid, contact your school's financial aid office. Here are other options you can consider if you didn't receive enough financial aid: searching and applying for scholarships. working at an on-campus part-time job.

What are three helpful hints for applying for fafsa? ›

7 Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA
  • Ensure that your school and program are FAFSA-eligible. ...
  • Determine your dependency status. ...
  • Collect all required information and documents. ...
  • Start your FAFSA application early. ...
  • Review all information before submitting. ...
  • Ask for help if needed.
Feb 6, 2024

What to do if financial aid isn't enough? ›

Here are six ways to pay for college when financial aid isn't enough to cover your tuition and expenses:
  1. Appeal your award letter.
  2. Apply for scholarships.
  3. Look into grants.
  4. Consider part-time jobs.
  5. Think about private student loans.
  6. Modify your college plans.
Apr 18, 2024

Can FAFSA pay full tuition? ›

Federal student aid programs generally cover 40–50% of tuition. Many GIA on-campus students borrow additional funds through either the Parent Loan Program (PLUS) if they are dependents, or through private alternative loans if they are not dependents.

What is the maximum amount of student loans you can get? ›

Federal borrowing limits for independent undergraduates
Year in schoolOverall borrowing limitSubsidized borrowing limit
First year$9,500$3,500
Second year$10,500$4,500
Third year and beyond$12,500$5,500
Total limit$57,500$23,000
Mar 29, 2024

Why did I get so little from FAFSA? ›

This can happen. The FAFSA relies on two-year-old tax information. Or your family may be facing big expenses that the FAFSA didn't ask about. If your financial aid offer seems way off, contact the college's financial aid office.

How to ask for more financial aid? ›

Contact the financial aid office for more aid if it's a needs-based appeal. If it's a merit-based appeal, contact the enrollment or admissions office. Explain that you want to initiate a professional judgment review (or “special circ*mstances review,” as some schools call it).

How to maximize FAFSA aid? ›

  1. File Early.
  2. Minimize Your Taxable Income.
  3. Clarify Who Owns Your Assets.
  4. Don't Assume You Won't Qualify.
  5. FAFSA Isn't the Whole Picture.
  6. FAQs.
  7. The Bottom Line.

Should you check need-based financial aid on the Common App? ›

If you intend to file the FAFSA when submitting your college applications, check the box. Not checking the box, but then filing for aid, will only create confusion for the admissions office. They may reach out to you to clarify your intent, or they may simply consider you a full-pay family and not award aid.

What does "do you intend to pursue need-based financial aid" mean? ›

The term “need-based” is a designation that is based on a student's financial need. For example, a need-based grant might be awarded based on a student's low income.

Should I say yes to work-study on FAFSA? ›

Select “Yes” if you're interested in being considered for a work-study job. Selecting this response doesn't guarantee that you'll be offered a Federal Work-Study job. Select “No” if you aren't interested in being considered for a work-study job.

How do you answer financial need questions? ›

Body: Your financial situation and hardships

Make sure you describe your parents' occupation, any savings (like a 529 College Savings Account), and any student jobs. You might also discuss any sudden changes in fortune (e.g. parent fell ill or lost their job) that have ruined your original financial plans.

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