Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Title IV)

Admissions

Trinity's Eligible Degree Programs for Federal Direct Stafford Loans

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Master of Arts (Religion) (MAR)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Students in any of the diploma programs are not eligible to receive Federal student loan funding.

Direct Stafford Loan Program

The Federal Direct Stafford Load Program is available to any student in a Degree Seeking Program enrolled with at least 6 credits (half-time) per semester. The student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. The current annual fixed interest rate is 6.8%.

Trinity cautions students about excessive reliance on loans which must be repaid starting shortly after graduation at a time when other financial obligations and low starting salaries limit one’s resources. Loans should be considered after other sources of aid have been explored. Students are ultimately responsible for these decisions.

Graduate students may borrow up to a lifetime amount of $138,500 from the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program (which includes proceeds from any undergraduate loan program).Trinity's desire is for students to graduate with a minimal amount of indebtedness so that loan repayments do not unduly burden their future ministries.

Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan	Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan
Fixed interest rate of 6.8%	Fixed interest rate of 6.8%
Maximum Base amount is $8,500	Maximum Base amount is $12,000
Origination fees deducted before the loan is disbursed into student's account	Origination fees deducted before the loan is disbursed into student's account
Entrance interview required for all first time borrowers	Entrance interview required for all first time borrowers
Funds sent directly to the school	Funds sent directly to the school
Interest does not accrue until 6 months after graduation, or < ½ time enrollment	Students are responsible for interest payments while in school

How to apply:

Carefully read the Federal Loan Policies and Guidelines.
File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Complete a FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Trinity's Federal School Code: G22993
Complete online Entrance Counseling
All first-time borrowers are required to complete entrance counseling at www.studentloans.gov.
Complete and sign a Direct Loan MPN (Master Promissory Note)
Visit www.studentloans.gov to complete and sign the MPN. Note: Click on the subsidized/unsubsidized link not Graduate PLUS loan link.
Submit the Trinity Direct Loan Request Form to the Financial Aid Director

Please contact the Financial Aid Director to obtain the Direct Loan Request Form.

Graduate PLUS Loans
The Graduate PLUS Loan, which is part of Direct Loan Program, is also available to Trinity students. However, due to Trinity's relatively low cost of attendance, students may not have the need for Graduate PLUS loan funding. For information about applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan please contact the Financial Aid Director.

Verification
When a student is selected for verification or has conflicting information on his or her financial aid paperwork, the Financial Aid Director will contact the student by sending a letter via email requesting a list of documents needed for the verification process. If the student fails to respond with the appropriate information, the loan will not be processed.

Exit Interview
When a student completes his or her program studies, drops enrollment below 6 credits per semester, or fails to re-enroll; an exit interview email will be sent. Exit interviews are conducted through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Student Access website at www.nslds.ed.gov.