Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
View these screenshots showing how to accept or decline loans in ctcLink.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. (Closed Friday during summer session)*. Don’t have the technology at home? You can also call (360) 442-2322 or stop by the Admissions Building on campus.