Loans
Loans are funds that you repay after you leave college. They feature low interest rates and offer payment deferment options if you have issues making payments.
Federal Loan Programs
Federal Direct Student Loan
A Federal Direct Student Loan is a variable low-interest loan that will help to cover educational costs. Be sure to list which loans you are applying for and the amount on the NSCC Financial Aid Form.
There are two types of Direct Student Loans:
Subsidized: The government pays the interest while you are in school. This loan has a deferment and a grace period.
Unsubsidized: You pay the interest while in school. This loan also has a deferment and a grace period.
The FAFSA application is used in making the determination as to whether you are eligible
for a subsidized loan or an unsubsidized loan.
Loans are disbursed in two disbursements, even if it is a one-semester loan. The second
disbursement is halfway through the loan period.
Each loan payment has a 1.057% loan origination fee deducted before it is disbursed
to the student. This percentage is set by the Department of Education each July.
Freshman, first-time borrowers’ first disbursement will be delayed until the 30th day of the semester.
After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. The Federal Government will send you information about repayment.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program provides a source of loan funds to the parents of dependent undergraduate students.
- PLUS Borrowers are required to file a FAFSA application.
- Parents can borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid for the student.
- The interest rate on PLUS loans is currently 7.54%. This is a variable rate set by the Department of Education each July. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.
- Repayment on both principal and interest begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
- There is no grace period for these loans. Interest will begin to accumulate at the time the first disbursement is made.
Loan Resources
Get Free Help with Your Student Loans from Student Connections
Nashville State has teamed up with Student Connections to help you with your student loans! Student Connections helps students manage their federal student loans. This service is completely free for Nashville State students.
Contact Student Connections to:
- Find your loan balance and monthly payment amount
- Discuss available repayment plans
- Explore options to reduce or delay your payments
Visit My.StudentConnections.com or talk to a Borrower Advocate for free at (866) 311-9450.
Avoid Student Loan Debt Relief Scams
Federal Student Aid (FSA) continues to warn borrowers about student loan scams. With so many recent efforts to create new programs that provide debt relief, even savvy borrowers might find it hard to tell the difference between a scam and legitimate forgiveness and relief efforts. Beware of any source that is not directing you to FSA or your loan servicer.
About Student Connections
Student Connections is passionate about helping students. They partner with schools to provide support for borrowers throughout the student loan repayment process. With more than 60 years of experience in counseling student loan borrowers, their primary goal is to help you find the repayment plan that best fits your needs.
While you are in student loan repayment, Student Connections may contact you through emails, text messages and phone calls to:
- Help you understand your loan obligations and responsibilities.
- Discuss available options for an affordable repayment plan.
- Ensure you are aware of repayment options during financial hardships.
Note: Due to Federal privacy regulations, when Student Connections calls they will ask you to verify up to two pieces of personally identifiable information to ensure they are speaking with the correct person.
Contact the Financial Aid Office
Location
Welcome Center
2nd Floor of S-Building
White Bridge Campus
Hours
Monday-Friday
8 AM – 4:30 PM
