Apply for a Loan

Stanislaus State participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. If you borrow a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Parent PLUS Loan, your loan is funded directly by the U.S. Department of Education.

Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Federal Direct Loans typically offer fixed interest rates, flexible repayment options, and borrower protections, making them an affordable way to help pay for your education.

Your loan information will be reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), a secure federal database accessible to schools and authorized agencies as permitted by the U.S. Department of Education.

There are annual and lifetime borrowing limits for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. The amount you can borrow depends on your grade level and dependency status.

For current loan limits and detailed information, visit Federal Student Aid’s Loan Information page at StudentAid.gov.

Student loans are optional. If you choose to borrow, you must meet enrollment requirements.

To receive (and keep) a federal loan at Stanislaus State, you must be enrolled — not waitlisted — at least half-time each semester.

Half-time enrollment is:

• 6 units for undergraduate, credential, second bachelor’s, and post-baccalaureate unclassified students
• 4 units for graduate, professional, and doctoral students

If you drop below half-time, your loan may be reduced, canceled, or enter repayment.

Direct Subsidized vs. Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loan

• Based on financial need
• The federal government pays the interest while you’re enrolled at least half-time and during certain deferment periods

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

• Not based on financial need
• Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed

How to Receive Your Loan

1. Accept your loan offer in your MyStanState student portal.
2. Complete and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at StudentAid.gov.
   • The MPN is your legal loan agreement.
   • Your loan funds cannot be disbursed until this step is completed.

You may also be required to complete Entrance Counseling if this is your first time borrowing a federal student loan.

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides you with delayed repayment while you are in-school and flexible repayment options for when you enter into repayment. After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, your loans enter into repayment. At the time of entering repayment, you must complete Loan Exit Counseling, which informs you of your rights, responsibilities, and terms of your repayment of your loan. You can estimate potential monthly loan payment that is best suited to your financial situation by referring to the Federal Student Aid Calculator.

To apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan at Stanislaus State, the student must complete a FAFSA and submit parental information. The following steps must be completed by the parent.

Steps:

1. The PARENT must Apply for a PLUS loan at the Student Aid website.

2. The PARENT must electronically complete and sign a PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) at the Student Aid website. This is a legal document for the loan and is required before the loan can be processed. 

3. An acknowledgment will be sent to Stanislaus State with the credit decision. Once the credit decision is received your loan will be accepted or canceled on the student's MyStanState portal. 

PLEASE NOTE: All parent proceeds are applied to outstanding current balances the student owes at Stanislaus State. Any excess funds from the Parent PLUS loan will go to the PARENT. If you would prefer the excess funds go to the student, please submit a written request to the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.

If you are considering a private (alternative) student loan, please review the Smart Student Guide for important information about eligibility, lender options, interest rates, and how to apply.

Private loans are offered by banks and private lenders and typically require a credit check (and possibly a co-signer). We strongly recommend that you explore federal loan options first, as they usually offer more flexible repayment and borrower protections.

Stanislaus State is committed to putting students first.

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office:

• Does not participate in preferred lender arrangements
• Does not promise loan volume or a set number of private loans to any lender
• Does not provide concessions or special agreements in exchange for private loan funds

In addition:

• Staff do not accept gifts from lenders, guaranty agencies, or loan servicers
• Staff do not receive compensation for consulting or contracting with lenders related to education loans
• Staff do not receive commissions, bonuses, or incentive pay tied to student loans
• Staff may only receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses if serving on a lender advisory group

Our goal is to provide unbiased information so you can make informed decisions about financing your education.

CSU Code of Conduct for Student Lending

The Cohort Default Rate (CDR) is a federal accountability measure for colleges that participate in federal Pell Grants and student loan programs.

The CDR shows the percentage of a school’s federal student loan borrowers who default on their loans within a specific time period after entering repayment.

To view Stanislaus State’s official Cohort Default Rate:

1. Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s CDR search page.
2. Enter our school code (OPEID): 001157.

This information is publicly available and updated by the U.S. Department of Education.

Official Cohort Default Rate Search for Schools