Federal Direct Loan

There are two types of Direct Loans:

Subsidized (need based) – Loan principal is deferred and the government pays the interest on the loan while you are enrolled at least half-time.
Unsubsidized (non-need based) – Loan principal may be deferred but interest will accrue. If you choose to defer interest, it will be added to the principal of the loan.

Interest Rate & Repayment

Interest rates for both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans can be found at https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/federal-loan-programs.pdf .  Standard ten-year repayment begins six months after graduation, or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time. Other repayment options ( income contingent) may be available through the servicing agent when the loan enters repayment.

Deferments are available while the borrower is enrolled at least half time as an undergraduate, while doing graduate or professional studies and for economic hardship as defined by the Department of Education.

Maximum Loan Amounts

First Year: $3,500
Second Year: $4,500
Junior: $5,500
Senior: $5,500
Graduate Students: $20,500

Students may be eligible for an additional $2,000 of Unsubsidized Direct Loan upon request.

If a parent is denied the Direct PLUS loan, a student may be eligible to borrow additional Unsubsidized Direct Loan: $4,000 first and sophomore years; $5,000 junior and senior years.

Direct Loan Application Process

Step 1 – Complete your financial aid documents. A FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa . Trinity College’s federal school code is 001414. Please contact The Financial Aid Office in writing (email) to request a Direct Loan and inquire if additional documents are needed.

Step 2 – Wait for your financial aid award. Please make sure that all of your financial aid documents have been received by the Financial Aid Office. If they have not, your award cannot be completed. You can check the status of your award and documents on the Financial Aid Office’s Trinity webpage by using your Trinity ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Step 3 – If a Direct Loan is part of your financial aid award and you do not want the loan, you must submit a Declined Aid Form to the Financial Aid Office indicating you decline the loan. Otherwise, the loan will be accepted and remain as part of your award. If you have no other financial aid, a Direct Loan can be requested by email or in writing to the Financial Aid Office.

Step 4 – Complete your loan documents. All borrowers will need to sign a Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at https://studentaid.gov/mpn/subunsub/landing

Step 5 – Direct Loan Disbursement. All first time borrowers will be required to complete Loan Entrance Counseling online at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/