Direct Student Loans
The Student Federal Direct loan program provides long-term, low-interest loans to students demonstrating a need for financial assistance. Loan funds are sent directly to Lone Star College from the Department of Education and are applied to the student’s account. Student loans are borrowed money that must be repaid.
Students applying for a Direct Student loan must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours or more.
Student will receive notification of financial aid award through their Lone Star College email address which will require them to complete the following steps.
- Review award letter and accept loan amounts online in student’s myLoneStar account.
(Student can also reduce or decline loan amount on this page.) - New and first time borrowers are required to complete the Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling.
- New and first time borrowers are required to Esign a Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note.
- To complete an MPN online, you will be required to use your Verified FSA ID.
- School Name
- Permanent and Mailing address, telephone, and email address.
- You will also need two references that live at different addresses.
- For your records, be sure to print the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
If you do not "accept" you loan(s), your classes will not be held.
Annual Loan Amounts
|
|
Dependent student1 | Independent student2 |
| 1st-year undergrad | $5,500 ($3,500 subsidized:$2,000 unsub) | $9,500 ($3,500 subsidized:$6,000 unsub) |
| 2nd-year undergrad | $6,500 ($4,500 subsidized:$2,000 unsub) | $10,500 ($4,500 subsidized:$6,000 unsub) |
Interest Rates
The interest rate on Federal Direct Loans varies depending on the loan type and (for most types of federal student loans) the first disbursement date of the loan. Interest rates on federal student loans are set by federal law, not the U.S. Department of Education.
The interest rate for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduate students disbursed after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024 is 5.50%.
The interest rate for Direct PLUS Loans disbursed after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 is 8.05%
For current and past interest rates, click here.
Direct Loan Program: School Responsibilities
A school’s responsibilities in the Direct Loan Program begin with meeting and maintaining loan program participation requirements.
Operational requirements can include:
- confirming borrower eligibility;
- originating Direct Loans;
- counseling students;
- requesting Direct Loan cash;
- disbursing Direct Loan cash;
- reconciling school-based Direct Loan records with records in
ED’s Direct Loan database;
- carrying out administrative and fiscal management functions;
- closing out each award year