Eligibility

To receive the subsidized loan, you must:

• Have financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Enroll at least half-time at Texas A&M University.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Not exceed annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits.

Award amounts can vary based on other eligibility factors. For more information, visit the Maintaining Eligibility page.

Interest Rates and Origination Fees

The Department of Education announces the interest rates for federal student loans by July 1 each year. A new loan is awarded each academic year that you are eligible and the interest rate will stay the same until your loan is repaid. Interest rates could be different each year for new loans. This means you could have more than one subsidized loan but each one could have a different interest rate.

Interest rates for Direct Subsidized loans

Borrower Type	First Disbursement Date	Fixed Interest Rate
Undergraduate	On July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025	6.53%
Undergraduate	On July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026	6.39%

Origination Fees for Direct Subsidized loans

First Disbursement Date	Origination Fee
On or after October 1, 2020	1.057%

Eligibility

To receive the unsubsidized loan, you must:

• Have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with Texas A&M University.
• Be enrolled at least half-time at Texas A&M.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• You may not exceed annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits. 

Award amounts can vary based on other eligibility factors. For more information, please visit the Maintaining Eligibility page.

Interest Rate and Origination Fees

The Department of Education announces the interest rates for federal student loans by July 1 each year. A new loan is awarded each academic year that you are eligible, and the interest rate will stay the same until your loan is repaid. Interest rates could be different each year for new loans. This means you could have more than one Unsubsidized loan but each one could have a different interest rate.

Interest rates for Direct Unsubsidized loans

Borrower Type	First Disbursement Date	Fixed Interest Rate
Undergraduate	On July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025	6.53%
	On July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026	6.39%
Graduate or Professional	On July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025	8.08%
	On July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026	7.94%

Origination Fees for Direct Unsubsidized loans

First Disbursement Date	Origination Fee
On or after October 1, 2020	1.057%

Eligibility

In order for your parents to qualify for this loan, you must:

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Be enrolled at least half-time.
• Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Your parent must:

• Have a good credit history.
• Not have defaulted on any previous student or parent loans.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.

How to Apply

The 2024-2025 Parent PLUS Loan application is currently available on the Federal Student Aid website.

To apply for the PLUS loan, your parent will need to follow these steps:

• Login to the Federal Student Aid website.
• Sign in with parent's FSA ID.
• Under “Apply for Aid,” click “Apply for a Parent Plus Loan.”
• Follow all steps of the application and submit.

If approved:

• Borrowing parent must complete the PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) through the Federal Student Aid website.
• Texas A&M University will receive your parent’s approved application the next business day.
• The Parent PLUS Loan will be awarded within 2 business days.

If denied:

• Your parent can appeal the denial on the Federal Student Aid website.
• The parent can also obtain an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history.
  • If the loan is later approved, Texas A&M will receive the approved application and award the Parent PLUS Loan upon completion of the required Endorser Addendum, PLUS Credit Counseling, and Plus Loan MPN. 

How to Request an Increase

To increase their current PLUS loan, your parent will need to follow these steps:

• Login to the Federal Student Aid website.
• Sign in with the borrowing parent's FSA ID
• Under “Apply for Aid,” select “Apply for a Parent Plus Loan.”
• Start application.
• Select award year.
• Under reason for submitting direct plus loan request, select “Change."
• Select the Plus loan application you want to increase.
• Enter the new total amount of the loan.
  • Example: If your original loan was for $5,000, and you need an additional $2,000, you will enter $7,000 as the new total. If you enter a number that is LESS than your existing loan, this will be processed as a DECREASE.
• Submit request.

Once submitted, the request will be processed within 1-3 business days. If submitted within 180 days of the original application, a new credit check will not be required.

Interest Rates and Origination Fees

The Department of Education announces the interest rates for federal PLUS loans by July 1 of each year. Interest rates could be different each year for any new loans. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.

Interest rates for Direct Parent PLUS loans

First Disbursement Date	Fixed Interest Rate
On July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025	9.08%
On July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026	8.94%

Origination Fees for Direct Parent PLUS loans

First Disbursement Date	Origination Fee
On or after October 1, 2020	4.228%

Repayment

Parents have the option in the application to request a deferment of the loan payments until six months after their student has graduated or otherwise dropped below half-time enrollment. Deferment can be requested through the servicer as well. If deferment is not selected, payments will be expected upon disbursement, or the paying out of the loan funds.

For more information on the PLUS loan, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Eligibility

• Be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate or professional program.
  • View Professional Enrollment Status definitions.
• Have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with Texas A&M
• Complete the online application and entrance counseling on the Federal Student Aid website.

How to Apply

The 2024-2025 Graduate PLUS loan application is currently available on the Federal Student Aid website.

Graduate PLUS loans are based on credit, therefore in order to apply:

1. Log onto the Federal Student Aid website.
2. Sign in using your FSA ID.
3. Under “Apply for Aid,” click on "Apply for a Plus Loan."
4. Select Direct PLUS Loan Request for Graduate/Professional Student Borrowers.
5. Follow through all steps of the application and submit.
6. You will receive an instant credit decision after submitting the application.

If approved:

• Complete the PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students on the Federal Student Aid website.
• Complete Graduate/Professional Direct Loan Entrance Counseling on the Federal Student Aid website.
• Texas A&M University will receive your approved application and award the Graduate PLUS Loan.

If denied:

• You can appeal the denial on the Federal Student Aid website.
• You can obtain an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history.
  • If your loan is later approved, Texas A&M University will receive your approved application and award the Graduate PLUS Loan upon completion of the required Endorser Addendum, Plus Credit Counseling, and Plus Loan (MPN). 

Interest Rates and Origination Fees

The Department of Education announces the interest rates for federal PLUS loans by July 1 of each year. Interest rates could be different each year for any new loans. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.

Interest rates for Direct Graduate PLUS loans

First Disbursement Date	Fixed Interest Rate
On July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025	9.08%
On July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026	8.94%

 
 

Origination Fees for Direct Graduate PLUS loans

First Disbursement Date	Origination Fee
On or after October 1, 2020	4.228%

How to Request an Increase

To increase your Graduate PLUS loan, you will need to follow these steps:

• Login to the Federal Student Aid website.
• Sign in using FSA ID
• Under "Apply for Aid," select “Apply for a Grad PLUS Loan.”
• Start application.
• Select award year.
• Under reason for Direct PLUS Loan request, select “Change.”
• Select the PLUS loan application you want to increase.
• Enter new total loan amount.
  • Example: If your original loan was for $5,000, and you need an additional $2,000, you need to enter $7,000 as the new total. If you enter a number that is LESS than your existing loan, this will be processed as a DECREASE. 
• Submit request.

Once submitted, the request will be processed within 1-3 business days. If submitted within 180 days of the original application, a new credit check will not be required.

Repayment

Repayment is deferred until the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment status. Interest will accrue during deferment. The student’s loan servicer will contact them about when the first payment is due. For more information, see the Repaying Your Student Loans section on our Loans FAQs webpage.

Undergraduate Students

*All “Maximum Total Debt” amounts (lifetime limits) include both DIRECT and FFELP subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Graduate Students

Unsubsidized Loan	$20,500/Academic Year
Maximum Total Debt*	$138,500** ($65,500 may be subsidized)

*All “Maximum Total Debt” amounts (lifetime limits) include both DIRECT and FFELP subsidized and unsubsidized loans. 
**The graduate total debt limit includes subsidized and unsubsidized student loans received during undergraduate study.  

Public Health Graduate Students and Pharmacy Students

Unsubsidized Loan	$33,000-$37,167/Academic Year***
Maximum Total Debt*	$224,000 ($65,500 may be subsidized)

*All “Maximum Total Debt” amounts (lifetime limits) include both DIRECT and FFELP subsidized and unsubsidized loans. 
**The graduate total debt limit includes subsidized and unsubsidized student loans received during undergraduate study.  
***The annual loan limit for certain majors can change from year to year and is determined by the budget duration (number of months the student spends in school). 

For more information, see the Repaying Your Student Loans section on our Loans FAQs webpage.

College Access Loan

The College Access Loan (CAL) is a non-need based state loan program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The CAL loan is only available to degree-seeking students who are Texas residents. Find out more about the interest rate and fees associated with borrowing this loan on the state’s website. 

Eligibility

• Students MUST be Texas Residents.
• Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) every semester.
• Students need to be credit-worthy or have a credit-worthy co-signer in order to pursue a CAL loan. 
• Students must be enrolled at least half-time per semester.
• Federal Direct Loan eligibility will be taken into consideration whether or not the student has accepted or declined the loans.

For more information, see the Repaying Your Student Loans section on our Loans FAQs webpage.

Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan

The Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement To Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan Program is a non-need-based state loan program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The FORWARD loan is only available to degree-seeking students who are Texas residents. Find out more about the interest rate and fees associated with borrowing this loan on the state’s website.

Eligibility

• Students MUST be Texas Residents.
• Students must be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) every semester.
• Students need to be credit-worthy or have a credit-worthy co-signer to pursue a FORWARD loan.
• Student must NOT exceed manageable loan debt calculated by the THECB.
• Student must be enrolled in a High-Demand Credential program that the student will be able to complete in two years or less.
• Federal Direct Loan eligibility will be taken into consideration whether or not the student has accepted or declined the loans.

State Loan Campus Codes

For more information, see the Repaying Your Student Loans section on our Loans FAQs webpage.

The Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) and the Loan for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) are loans administered by the Health Resources & Services Administration processed by Texas A&M University. HPSL is available to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery students. The LDS is available only to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. These loans are awarded to students with financial need in their family, therefore parent information must be included on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Providing parent information will not affect your eligibility for other need-based aid. This loan has a 12-month grace period after graduation before repayment begins. Interest does not accrue until after the grace period ends.  

After the application is complete and all documents are submitted, the information will be reviewed and this loan will be awarded based on financial need. Students will be notified by email if they are offered this award and will complete an electronic Master Promissory Note through Heartland ECSI before the award will disburse.

Application Process:

• Complete a FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year.
• Complete the HPSL application through the Financial Aid Portal.
• Submit all documentation that has been requested through the Financial Aid Portal.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Loan Type	Current Interest Rate
Health Professions Student Loan	5.00%
Loans for Disadvantaged Students	5.00%

For more information, see the Repaying Your Student Loans section on our Loans FAQs webpage.

For more information about the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, visit the Texas A&M University College of Nursing.

Alternative (private) loans are administered and processed by private lending institutions to be used for educational costs after exhausting potentially more favorable federal and state financial aid options first.

Visit ELMSelect to search for an Alternative Loan.

Application Process

Alternative Loans take longer to process than federal loans due to the multiple disclosure statements and right-to-cancel period required by federal lending laws. Please read carefully to understand the process.

1. Select your preferred lender and apply through the lender’s website. 
   • NOTE: Check the table below to ensure you are using the correct school code.
   • When applying for your loan, you will be asked for your Loan Term. The loan term can be for one or both semesters in the academic year. Please use the dates below to determine your preferred loan term.
2. Complete the Application Disclosure Statement from your lender. Ask your lender questions if you are unsure of any information.
3. Submit the Self-Certification form to your lender. This form can be found in the Financial Aid Portal under Helpful Links.
4. If approved, you will be asked to complete an Approval Disclosure Statement from the lender.
5. Scholarships & Financial Aid will then receive your loan request from the lender and notify them if you are eligible to receive the loan.
6. Once Scholarships & Financial Aid certifies the loan, you will receive a Final Loan Disclosure Statement from the lender.

*This process will take 10-15 business days from start to finish, please plan accordingly*

If you need to discuss emergency loan options, please contact our office.

Loan Terms

Term	Start Date	End Date
Summer 2025	5/27/2025	8/7/2025
Fall 2025	8/25/2025	12/16/2025
Spring 2026	1/12/2026	5/5/2026

Alternative Loan Application Codes

If you have questions about which code to use please contact our office.


If you're thinking of applying for an alternative loan, please review our Tips for Student Borrowers and the Repaying Your Student Loans section on our Loans FAQs webpage.

Eligibility

• You must be enrolled at least half-time.
  • Graduate Students – 5 hours for fall and spring; 3 hours for summer
  • Undergraduate Students - 6 hours
  • Blinn Team Students - 3 hours
  • Professional Students – 6 hours for fall and spring; 4 hours for summer
• Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 1.5.
• Graduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Interest Rate and Processing

• 8%* simple interest per annum.
• A $10 processing charge calculates on each loan's total amount

Right to Cancel

Repayment

The Emergency Tuition and Fees Loan (ETFL) is available to help you pay your Texas A&M University tuition and required fees. This loan applies directly to your tuition and fee account when Scholarships & Financial Aid approves your application, and you sign the Master Promissory Note. If you have signed a Master Promissory Note for an Emergency Tuition and Fees loan from a prior semester, you do not have to sign another promissory note.

Depending upon timing, your financial aid refund may apply toward your ETFL, but this is not always the case. It is your responsibility to use any refunds issued to you to repay an outstanding ETFL and to ensure your outstanding ETFL balance is at zero by the loan due date.

Eligibility

• You must be enrolled in at least 1 hour at Texas A&M University.
• You must have an active Texas A&M University student email account.
• You must be clear of all financial blocks with Texas A&M University.
• You must meet minimum GPA requirements.
  • Graduate Students – 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Undergraduate Students - 1.5 minimum GPA
  • Law Students – 2.33 minimum GPA
  • Pharmacy Students – 2.0 minimum GPA
  • Dental Students – 2.0 minimum GPA
  • Veterinary Medicine Students – 2.0 minimum GPA
  • Medical Students- 2.0 minimum GPA

Interest Rate and Processing

• 5% simple interest rate
• $10 processing fee is calculated on each loan. This charge will be added to the amount of the loan you are approved to receive.

Once approved for a loan, you will be instructed via email to sign a Master Promissory Note before funds can be released. Instructions will be sent to your official Texas A&M University email. If you have signed a Master Promissory Note for an ETFL before, you do not have to sign another one for a new Emergency Tuition and Fees Loan.

Receiving Funds

This loan will be applied directly to your tuition and fees account after the Master Promissory Note has been signed and submitted to Scholarships & Financial Aid.

Repayment

Repayment terms are contingent upon the semester in which the loan posts. All payments will be due on the 15th day of the month.

• Fall and Spring loans are due approximately 90 days after the loan applies to your student billing account.
• Summer loans are due approximately 30 days after the loan applies to your student billing account.

Depending on timing, your financial aid refund may be applied toward your ETFL, but this is not always the case. It is your responsibility to use any refunds issued to you to repay your ETFL and make sure that your ETFL is repaid by the loan due date.

If the loan is not paid in full by the due date, registration will be blocked until the account balance is paid in full. You may contact Aggie One Stop via telephone at 979-847-1787 for questions about your Emergency Tuition and Fee Loan repayment. 

For more information, review the FAQ section about Emergency Tuition and Fees Loans on our Loans FAQs webpage.

A student loan is money that you borrow from the federal government, state government or private lenders. These loans must be repaid. If you are receiving a Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or PLUS loan for the first time at Texas A&M University, you must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling.

Master Promissory Note

For every loan that you accept, you will have to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Once signed, the MPN is a binding, legal document where you agree to the loan repayment terms. The MPN should be read carefully and a copy kept for your records. Direct Loan MPNs must be completed on the Federal Student Aid website.

Entrance Counseling

To complete Entrance Counseling for your Direct Loans, visit Howdy. 

Once you accept a Direct Loan:

• Search for Financial Aid Portal.
• Select the current academic year.
• On the Status page, look for the link for Loan Entrance Counseling. 
• Follow the instructions to complete Loan Entrance Counseling on the Federal Student Aid website.

Exit Counseling

Once you graduate, fall below half-time, or leave Texas A&M, you will be sent information about Loan Exit Counseling if you received a Direct Loan or Graduate PLUS Loan.
 
If you received the Federal TEACH Grant, you will be sent Exit Counseling information if you withdraw, graduate, or change into an ineligible TEACH Grant major. 

Online exit counseling for Federal Loans and the TEACH Grant can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website.