Federal Loans

Federal Student Aid

Federal Student Aid (FSA), also known as Title IV funding, is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal aid helps students to pay for higher education expenses. Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for a computer and for dependent care. Please note: Students may not exceed loan limits regulated by the U.S. Department of Education.

Important Reminder: Federal Student Aid is awarded under the assumption that a student will complete course(s) for the entire semester and/or payment period for which the funds were awarded. If a recipient of Title IV funds stops attending Southeastern Louisiana University after beginning attendance, officially and/or unofficially, in a course, regardless of the reason, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds originally awarded.

For detailed information regarding this policy, please visit the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy page. Southeastern’s tuition refund policy determines how much tuition and fees are refunded when a student withdraws from all classes. The university’s Resignation/Withdrawal Policy and Student Fee Refund Policy can be found in the University Catalog.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans

Including both Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, these are education loans in the student’s name and are applied for through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All federal loans listed below require at least half time enrollment.

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan

The Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is awarded on the basis of a student’s financial need and other specific eligibility requirements. The federal government does not charge interest on these loans while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time, during a six-month grace period, or during authorized periods of deferment. Payments are not required while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time, during a six-month grace period, or during authorized periods of deferment. This loan is subject to an origination fee that is set by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not based on a student’s financial need, but students must also meet specific eligibility requirements. Interest is charged throughout the life of the loan. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is repaid in full, including in-school, six-month grace, and deferment periods. Payments are not required while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time, during a six-month grace period, or during authorized periods of deferment. This loan is subject to an origination fee that is set by the U.S. Department of Education.  

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for an undergraduate student is not based on financial need and is limited to a parent borrower for a dependent student. A parent is currently defined as a person’s natural or adoptive mother or father, step-parent, or legal guardian. The annual limit is equal to the student’s cost of attendance, as defined by Southeastern, minus any other financial aid the student is receiving. Parents are required to pass a credit check and meet and meet eligibility requirements.Students must have a completed FAFSA on file for the current aid year, and parents complete a separate application for this loan which is found at studentaid.gov.  

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for a graduate student is not based on financial need and is limited to a graduate/professional student. The annual limit is equal to the student’s cost of attendance, as defined by Southeastern, minus any other financial aid the student is receiving.Students are required to pass a credit check and meet eligibility requirements. Students apply for this loan through the FAFSA, as well as an additional application found at studentaid.gov