McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Student loans are funds borrowed to pay for tuition and other university expenses, and must be repaid with interest. While both the federal government and private institutions offer student loans, federal loans have benefits like fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans. Before looking into private loans, you should explore all your options for federal student aid. Find out how much you qualify for by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
There are two main types of federal student loans:
What loans you qualify for also vary based on how many credit hours you have, and whether you are an independent or dependent student. Continuing and transfer students may apply if they have earned the required number of hours each year with a grade point average of at least 2.0.
PLUS loans are available to qualifying parents of dependent undergraduate students enrolled in at least 6 semester hours, and professional or graduate students. Like with direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, the Department of Education is the lender. Unlike unsubsidized or subsidized loans, however, applicants must not have an adverse credit history to qualify.
A credit check will be conducted once you apply to determine your eligibility. The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance at the time of awarding minus any other financial aid you are receiving. Find out more about PLUS loans.
You may have adverse credit history if you have:
You must complete exit counseling when you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment (under 6 hours). The purpose of this counseling is to ensure you understand your student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment. You can complete exit counseling on Student Aid.gov. https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS®) is the national database of information about loans and grants awarded to students. NSLDS® provides a centralized, integrated view of federal student aid loans and grants that are tracked through their entire lifecycle from aid approval through disbursement and repayment (if applicable). View your loan and grant information through https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/login
When you enter into repayment for your loans, you can pick from repayment plans that base your monthly payment on your income or that give you a fixed monthly payment over a set repayment period. For more information, see Repayment Plans | Federal Student Aid
| Loan Type | Borrower Type | Fixed Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans | For Undergraduate Students | 6.39% |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loans | For Graduate or Professional Students | 7.94% |
| Direct PLUS Loans | For Parents of Dependent Undergraduate Students and for Graduates or Professional Students | 8.94% |
| Loan Type | Borrower Type | Fixed Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans | For Undergraduate Students | 6.53% |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loans | For Graduate or Professional Students | 8.08% |
| Direct PLUS Loans | For Parents of Dependent Undergraduate Students and for Graduates or Professional Students | 9.08% |
Federal Perkins Loans were low interest federal loans offered to students who expressed sufficient financial need. As of October 1, 2017, other than for pre-existing 2017-18 disbursements, Federal Perkins Loans are no longer available.
As of May 2024, McNeese State University has completed the liquidation process of all Federal Perkins Loans disbursed by the University. All borrowers have been assigned to a new loan servicer; see loan servicing information below:
Department of Education
ECSI Federal Perkins Loan Servicer
P.O. Box 836
Coraopolis, PA 15108
866-313-3797
https://borrowerefpls.ed.gov
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.