Loan Programs
Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options. A loan is money that you must repay with interest under varying terms and conditions. While it is important to be cautious of irresponsible borrowing, loans are considered an integral part of a student's Financial Aid package. Please carefully review the different types of loans available below and consider each one as a viable option for financing a college education.
Federal Direct Stafford
Summary: Federal loan program for students. For eligibility and loan limits click here.
How do I apply for a Loan?
Terms:
Complete a Direct Loan Entrance Counseling: click here. *Required of all students NEW to Concordia
Complete a Loan Agreement (MPN): click here.
Complete a Direct Loan Exit Counseling: click here.
Manage your loans: click here.
Loan Consolidation: click here.
First-Time Borrowers on or after July 1, 2013: click here.
Federal Direct PLUS
Summary: Federal loan program for parents of dependent undergraduate students. Federal legislation permits graduate students to borrow through the PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) Loan program.
Manage your loans: click here.
How do I Apply for a Loan?
Complete the Direct PLUS Loan Application. Sign Master Promissory Note.
Go to www.studentloans.gov. "Sign In" then "Request a PLUS loan." Parents MUST sign in using their own FAFSA PIN (Parent PLUS only).
What if I'm not approved?
If you were initially declined for the PLUS loan you can either obtain an endorser (cosigner), or choose to appeal the reason you were declined.
Appeal
Call the Direct Loan Servicing Center for instructions at 800-557-7394 or select "Appeal Credit Decision" once logged into www.studentloans.gov. You will receive an answer regarding your appeal within 7-10 business days of all required documentation for the appeal being received.
Endorser
If you elect to use an endorser, you must start by having the endorser get their own Federal Student Aid PIN. Once the endorser's PIN is active, they will log into the StudentLoans.gov site and select "Endorse a PLUS Loan." The endorser must pass a credit check. If approved, they will be asked to note how much they are willing to endorse. The PLUS loan amount cannot exceed what the endorser is willing to guarantee. Finally, the parent borrower signs the Federal Direct PLUS a Loan Agreement (MPN). The endorser does not sign the promissory note.
If no action is taken (Parent PLUS loans only)
Parent PLUS loans that remain in declined status will trigger the Financial Aid Office to offer the student an additional unsubsidized Stafford loan. Freshmen and sophomores (0-59.9 units) are eligible for up to $4,000.00. Juniors and seniors (60-128 units) are eligible for up to $5,000.00.
Private | Alternative Loan
Summary: Bank-funded education loan for undergraduate and graduate students. Generally used to supplement the Federal Direct Stafford loan.
- Rate: Varies from lender to lender. Adjustable and Fixed programs are available.
- Fees: Depends upon the specific lender and loan program.
- Term: Typically between 5-15 years.
- Loan Limits: Cost of Attendance less all other aid the student receives.