Federal Student Loans

Important Links:

• Loan Entrance Counseling
• Loan Exit Counseling
• Money Management

If you have not already done so, please do the following:

1. Complete your financial aid file. You can check your financial aid status by logging into WebAdvisor. 
2. Make sure your current Major and Educational Objective are on file at Admissions & Records. You can update your major and educational objective by submitting the Update Student Data form in the Admissions & Records forms web page.

Deadlines to submit a loan application
     Fall 2020:  December 11 (Fall only students)
     Spring 2021:  May 18

 Select 2020-21 Direct Loan Application

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Cuyamaca College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program by offering subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Student Loans (Direct Loans). Direct Loans - subsidized or unsubsidized, are low-interest rate loans made to students by the federal government.

Direct Subsidized Loan: These loans are available to students who demonstrate financial need. The federal government pays the interest on this loan while you are in college and during deferment periods.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan:These loans are available to all eligible students and are not based on financial need. You are responsible for all interest payments (or capitalization of interest) from the date the loan is disbursed.

The interest rate: The interest rate for subsidized loan is fixed at 2.75% for loans disbursed from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Select "more information" on interest rates.

The loan amounts: Grade level one students (freshman) may borrow a base amount of $3,500 (subsidized and/or unsubsidized); Grade level two students (sophomores) may borrow a base amount of $4,500 (subsidized and/or unsubsidized) per academic year. Loan amounts for one semester only are one-half (1/2) the maximum yearly loan amount not to exceed need or cost of attendance.

To apply for a subsidized or unsubsidized loan, you must first apply for federal financial aid via the FAFSA. All first-time borrowers applying for a loan must complete ❝Loan Entrance Counseling❞ and ❝Money Management Counseling❞ before the processing of the loan application.  All borrowers must complete "Loan Exit Counseling" when you cease to be enrolled, graduate or drop below 1/2 time enrollment.

The deadline to submit a Federal Direct Student Loan application is December 11, 2020 for the Fall 2020 semester, and May 18, 2021 for the Spring 2021 semester. Tuition payments will not be deferred for Federal Direct Student Loans. Funds will be disbursed a minimum of 30 days after the start of the semester for first-time borrowers.

Time Limitation on Direct Subsidized Loan Eligibility: for First Time Borrowers on or after July 1, 2013, select "more information".

Payment of principal (the amount borrowed) will not be required while you are enrolled at least half-time. Regular monthly payments on the principal (the amount borrowed) will begin six months after you leave school, drop below half-time status, or graduate. The 6-month Grace Period no longer applies to the interest rate for Subsidized Stafford Direct loans. Interest on Subsidized Direct Loans begins accruing immediately when the student is no longer enrolled at least ½-time. It may take up to ten years to repay the loan(s).

Deferment is available while enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units). Once the initial grace period ends and repayment begins, deferment for resumption of study requires half-time enrollment. Units cannot be combined between two colleges for deferment purposes.

The following examples show typical monthly payments and total interest charges for 6.80% loans of varying amounts, with typical repayment periods:

Loan Default
If you have defaulted on a student loan, you have some options. Depending on which one you chose you may regain your eligibility for financial aid, improve your credit and in some cases remove the default status from your credit report.

For more detailed information on all of your student loan options, including repayment and consolidation, please visit Department of Education at Student Loan web page.

Select "Exit Counseling" to Open Pdf Version

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National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

Cuyamaca College participates in the Title IV Loan Program. As such, we are required to submit information from your student record and loan award to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). NSLDS is the national database of information about loans and grants awarded to students under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants during their complete life cycle, from aid approval through disbursement, repayment, deferment, delinquency, and closure. This information is accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.