Student Loan Information 

Federal Loan Eligibility

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may apply for federal student loans. Students need to be enrolled on at least a half time basis (18 units or more) as a regular degree-seeking student. Continuing students must meet the academic progress guidelines of their program of study to be eligible for any type of federal financial aid.

Federal Perkins Loans

The Perkins loan program is a federal loan program that provides low interest (5%) loans to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. No interest accrues on the loan while the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis, during the nine month grace period, and during periods of deferment.  Repayment begins nine months after the student graduates or is no longer enrolled on at least a half time basis. Perkins loans are administered through the Heinz School and funds are limited; highest consideration is given to applicants who complete the financial aid application process by the suggested deadline . A separate loan application is not required. To accept this award, the student must electronically sign a master promissory note at the beginning of the first semester in which they receive a Perkins loan at the Heinz School . Continuing students must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements to be eligible for federal Perkins loans.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans*

The Stafford loan program is a need-based, federally subsidized program that enables eligible graduate students to borrow a maximum of $8,500 every two semesters. Interest is subsidized by the federal government while the student is enrolled on at least a half time basis, during the six month grace period, and during periods of deferment.  New federal Stafford loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8 % for the life of the loan; loan origination and federal default fees of up to 4% may be deducted from the loan proceeds. The loan term can be either one or two semesters in length. When borrowing a two-semester loan, students receive half of the total loan amount less appropriate loan fees each semester. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the borrower graduates or six months after the borrower drops below half time status (18 units).  Continuing students must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements of their program of study to be eligible for any type of federal financial aid. 

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans*

The unsubsidized Stafford loan is similar to the subsidized Stafford loan, except the interest for the unsubsidized Stafford loan is not paid by the federal government. Borrowers may make quarterly interest payments or have the interest capitalized at the time of repayment. Eligible graduate students may borrow a combined maximum total of $20,500 every two semesters from the subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loan programs. The interest rate, fees, loan term, academic progress requirements and repayment information is the same as stated above for the subsidized loan.

Graduate Student PLUS Loans*

The graduate student PLUS Loan allows eligible students to borrow up to the published cost of attendance less financial aid from all other sources. PLUS loan borrowers are required to pass a basic credit test. Students who are denied the loan because of adverse credit history, may obtain an endorser. The PLUS loan interest rate is fixed at 8.5%, which begins accruing upon disbursement. Borrowers are charged a 3% origination fee and, in some cases, a 1% federal default fee. The fees are deducted from the loan amount before disbursement. The loan term may be one or more semesters in length and the loan disburses equally for each semester included in the loan period. Repayment begins when the loan is fully disbursed, however if the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis, the loan enters in-school deferment status until the student graduates or drops below half-time status.

 *All Stafford and Grad Plus loan borrowers must complete federally required loan entrance counseling the first time they borrow as a Carnegie Mellon University graduate student. When selecting a school, please indicate Carnegie Mellon University-Heinz School.  If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the financial aid office to make other arrangements.

Federal Stafford & Grad PLUS Lenders

Although student borrowers may choose any participating lender for their education loans, the Heinz School has developed the following rotating alphabetical listing of lenders for students who want assistance in selecting a lender.  The Federal Stafford Loan and Federal Grad PLUS Loan lenders were selected through a “Request for Information” (RFI) process asking lenders to provide details about their affiliates, their customer service standards and history, and their financial benefits to students.  A separate RFI process was used to collect information about (non-federal) education loans.  A committee of Heinz School staff and students reviewed and compared the lenders’ RFI responses and selected the following preferred lenders for 2008-2009. Borrowers are always encouraged to compare lender benefits before selecting a lender.

The Addison H. Gibson Foundation Loan Trust

(For long-term PA residents)

Alternative Education Loans

Alternative loans are loans extended to students by private lending institutions on the basis of creditworthiness. Applications are available through many banks and lenders; the school, in most cases, must certify your eligibility. A cosigner is required in some cases.

Alternative (Non-federal) Loan Lenders

Ombudsman Information

If you have a problem with your loans that you believe has not been fully resolved by the Heinz School Financial Aid Office, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Ombudsman. The OSFA Ombudsman will informally investigate borrowers' complaints. Although they do not have the authority to reverse decisions, they can offer solutions and can work to bring about changes to prevent future problems.

URL: http://www.fsahelp.ed.gov/about/contactus.html
Telephone: 1-877-557-2575
Mail:
U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman
830 First Street, NE
Fourth Floor
Washington, DC 20202-5144

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