Loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits per quarter) who meet all other eligibility requirements. Students must begin this process by completing the Master Promissory Note and the Loan Entrance counseling on www.studentloans.gov. After completing these steps, students may accept the loan amount they are wanting to use in their ctcLink account.
Students with financial need are offered Subsidized Direct Student Loans, up to the annual maximum eligibility amount (see below). All students, regardless of financial need, who meet all other eligibility requirements and who are enrolled in at least 6 credits in one or more quarters, are also offered Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans (see amounts below). Unsubsidized loans begin to accrue interest from the day they are disbursed. Note that these amounts are for the entire academic year. Note that if a student is taking loans for one quarter only during an academic year, the loan amount must be split into two amounts, one to be awarded after the midpoint of the quarter.
First Year (0 to 45 college-level credits earned): $5,500 (no more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
Second Year (46 or more college-level credits earned): $6,500 (no more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
Third or higher year (only for BAS students with 91 or more college-level credits earned): $7,500 (no more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
First Year (0 to 45 college-level credits earned): $9,500 (no more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
Second Year (46 or more college-level credits earned): $10,500 (no more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
Third or higher year (only for BAS students with 91 or more college-level credits earned): $12,500 (no more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans)
There are aggregate federal loan limits. Students who qualify may borrow up to the following amounts to complete an undergraduate degree:
NOTE: First-time borrowers must wait 30 days from the first day of the quarter before receiving their first loan. Plan accordingly!
NOTE: Single-quarter borrowers will receive half of their disbursement on the first day (or 30th day if also first-time borrower) of the quarter and the second half on the 50% point of the quarter.
NOTE: Loans must be paid back with interest!
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.
Please review the Financial Aid Handbook for additional details.
View these screenshots showing how to accept or decline loans in ctcLink.
View the additional Student Loan forms on the Handbook & Forms page.
Please join the One-Stop Center and Financial Aid online in Zoom, Monday-Thursday 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.
(360) 442-2390
Fax: (360) 442-2379
financialaidoffice@lowercolumbia.edu
Mon - Thursday 8 am - 5 pm*
*Closed Fridays during summer session (July/Aug).
Computer access is available in the Admissions Center.