Loans

Federal Perkins Loan (formerly National Direct Student Loan-NDSL). Federal Perkins Loans are available to students who are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and who demonstrate need through the FAFSA. The maximum amount a graduate student can borrow under this program at Rutgers is $3,000 per academic year, with the maximum aggregate loan amount not to exceed $40,000 (including undergraduate NDSL and Perkins loan total).

Interest at the rate of 5 percent simple begins nine months after the borrower ceases to enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per semester. The loan extends over a maximum repayment period of 10 years. Monthly payments depend on the size of the debt and the length of the repayment period. Repayment may be deferred or the loan itself canceled for students who enter certain forms of public service.

Consistent with federal regulations, all first-time Federal Perkins Loan borrowers at Rutgers are required to attend an entrance interview to learn about their rights under the loan. In addition, Perkins Loan recipients must attend an exit interview before they graduate or withdraw from school. Rutgers sends each of its students details about repayment of the Federal Perkins Loan. The student loan office, part of the Division of Student Financial Services, is located at 65 Davidson Road, Room 310, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8093.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans. Federal Direct Student Loans are available to students from the federal government to pay for educational costs. These loans eliminate the need for an outside lender, such as a bank. To be considered for a Direct Loan, students must complete the FAFSA. Subsequently, the award letter issued by Rutgers will list eligibility for the program. Money awarded to students will be credited directly to their accounts. Because Rutgers has chosen to participate in direct lending, the university cannot accept any Federal Stafford applications from students or their lenders. Since the U.S. Department of Education is the lender for the Federal Direct Loan program, borrowers will send all loan repayments to the department, rather than to several lenders.

In general, to be eligible for a Direct Loan, a student must:

• have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or meet other standards set by the U.S. Department of Education,
• provide evidence of U.S. citizenship or be an eligible noncitizen,
• be enrolled at least half time per semester and be making satisfactory academic progress,
• have a Social Security Number,
• sign a statement of educational purpose,
• not be in default on prior loans or owe refunds to a federal grant program, and
• register with the U.S. Selective Service Administration, if required.

In addition to these requirements, all first-time Federal Direct Loan borrowers must attend an entrance interview in order to learn about their rights and responsibilities regarding the loan.

The aggregate limit for Federal Direct Loans, including both subsidized and unsubsidized amounts, is $138,500 for a graduate or professional student (including loans for undergraduate study).

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. This loan is based on financial need. The fixed interest rate is currently 6.8 percent. The government pays the interest on the loan while the student is attending school. Additionally, borrowers are charged an origination fee of up to 2.5 percent. Graduate students may borrow $8,500 per year. The total debt may not exceed $65,500 (including loans for undergraduate years).

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. This loan is not based on financial need, and all interest charges must be paid by the student. The interest rate is the same as that of the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. Students may borrow as much as $20,500 per year, less any amount from the subsidized loan program. The total debt permitted for all subsidized and unsubsidized direct loans is $138,500.

Students should contact their regional campus financial aid office for more information. If they are seeking more than the maximum amount, they should make an appointment with a counselor to discuss long-term assistance. Students need not be recipients of financial aid or have filed a financial aid application to be considered for emergency loans. Several graduate schools offer low-interest or interest-free, short-term loans to students in their programs. Students should request additional information from the various deans or directors of each program.