Student Loan Information

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Interested in taking out student loans?

The following steps are required to accept student loans. All 3 document completions are verified electronically and are not required to be turned in by the student.

Master Promissory note (completed online, once for each school every ten years)
Entrance counseling (completed online, beginning of every school year)
Accept or reduce the loan amount for each quarter, in ctcLink, after being awarded:
- Check out how to accept loans in ctcLink.
- The award shows loans that you COULD qualify for. Accepting the loans is an application that goes through a review/approval by the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE requires that all first time borrowers are subject to a 30-day delay on loan disbursements. All one quarter loans are also required by the DOE to be disbursed in two installments with the second installment at the mid-quarter point of the quarter.
Make sure you are registered for at least 6 credits, which is the minimum amount to qualify for loans.
- You can check your class schedule by logging into ctcLink, and clicking in the "Manage Classes" tile.

Please review the Financial Aid Handbook for additional details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I accept my loans in ctcLink?

View these screenshots showing how to accept or decline loans in ctcLink.

If I accept my loans in ctcLink, does that guarantee I’ll receive that amount?

Not necessarily. The financial aid award shows a preliminary amount that once accepted, then goes through an approval process. There are numerous reasons the DOE can reject a loan or its amount.
It is best to set up a payment plan for tuition while you are waiting to hear back from the approval so that you do not end up being dropped for non-payment in the case that it is not approved.
- Please see the Payment Plan webpage for additional information and instructions on how to set up the payment plan.

What timeline am I looking at to receive my loans?

Once students loans are accepted and the above steps are completed, the final review can begin through the DOE (Department of Education). Disbursement of loans can take 2-3 weeks after the steps are completed and everything is reviewed. Potential delays are possible.
The DOE requires that all first time borrowers are subject to a 30-day delay on loan disbursements. All one quarter loans are also required by the DOE to be disbursed in two installments with the second installment at the mid-quarter point of the quarter.

What are the loan types and differences?

Direct Subsidized Loans: Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan
- while you’re in school at least half-time,
- for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period*), and
- during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).
- View more information on the Student Aid website.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: The student is responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan). View more information on the Student Aid website.
Parent Plus Loans:
- Refer to the Financial Aid Handbook for additional details.

Where can I find additional forms?

View the additional Student Loan forms on the Handbook & Forms page.

Need additional assistance?

Please join the One-Stop Center and Financial Aid online in Zoom, Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Don’t have technology? You can also call (360) 442-4636.

Contact Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is conveniently located in the Admissions Center. Financial Aid counters open at 10 am on Fridays.

Financial Aid Office

(360) 442-2390
Fax: (360) 442-2379
financialaidoffice@lowercolumbia.edu

Hours

Mon - Fri: 8 am - 5 pm*

*Student aides staff the front counter every Wed. from 8 - 11 am and 2 - 5 pm.

Closed on Fridays during summer session (July/Aug).

FAFSA

Use LCC School Code 003782 when completing the FAFSA.

Computers available in the Admissions Center.