These loans are for students with financial need, as determined by the FAFSA Processing System based on the information reported on the FAFSA. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education.
The federal government does not charge interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while the borrower is enrolled on at least a half-time basis, during the grace and deferment periods, and during certain other periods (for example, during certain periods of repayment under certain repayment plans that determine the required monthly payment amount based on the borrower’s income and family size).
Amount
Annual borrowing limits are based on the student's year of study:
Dependent undergraduates
- First year: $5,500 (no more than $3,500 of this amount may be subsidized)
- Second year: $6,500 (no more than $4,500 of this amount may be subsidized)
- Third year and beyond: $7,500 (no more than $5,500 of this amount may be subsidized)
Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents are unable to borrow under the PLUS Loan Program)
- First year: $9,500 (no more than $3,500 of this amount may be subsidized)
- Second year: $10,500 (no more than $4,500 of this amount may be subsidized)
- Third year and beyond: $12,500 (no more than $5,500 of this amount may be subsidized)
Eligibility
- Be enrolled at least half time.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or non-citizen.
- Have financial need, as determined by the FAFSA Processing System based on the information reported on the FAFSA
Disbursement and Payment
Loan funds will not be disbursed (pay) until all requested documentation, including Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) has been submitted, your FAFSA information reviewed and then your aid package will be considered completed and awarded.
A note will be placed on your myUNTD "To Do List" if additional steps are required before disbursement.
If the financial aid file is complete, disbursements can be made as early as ten days prior to the first day of a Fall or Spring fee payment (August/January) period. However, disbursements can also occur throughout an enrollment term upon completion of a file.
Repayment
Repayment begins six months after enrollment drops below half-time status or upon the point of graduation.
The Project on Student Debt works to increase public understanding of rising student debt. This initiative has compiled the top 10 tips for keeping your student loans under control. The tips can be reviewed here.
For more information regarding repayment, please Direct Loan Repayment Plans. For information regarding deferment or forbearance, please visit Direct Loan Deferment and Forbearance.
Repayment Length
Between 10 and 30 years to repay, depending on the amount owed and repayment plan selected.
Additional Information
- If you are a new borrower at UNT Dallas (including transfer students), you may complete your Federal Direct Loan Entrance counseling any time after being awarded a Direct Loan. You will need your FSA ID and enter UNT Dallas as a school to receive the results. You must complete the counseling before Student Business Services can disburse your loan funds. The counseling will help you understand your responsibilities about your loan.
- The U.S. Department of Education charges an origination fee of the total amount borrowed per loan. This fee is deducted from the loan by the U.S. Department of Education before the proceeds are credited to a student's account.
- Borrowers must electronically sign a Federal Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN.
- Please visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
- Each Federal Direct Loan borrower at UNT Dallas is required to complete Student Exit Counseling shortly before completing a degree, leaving UNT Dallas (i.e., withdrawing, graduation) or ceasing half-time enrollment.