Student Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans
For undergraduate students who have financial need; U.S. Department of Education pays interest while borrower is in school and during grace and deferment periods; students must be at least half-time. Visit Federal Student Aid for current interest rates.
First-time borrows may not receive this type of loan for more than 150 percent of the length of their program of study; U.S. Department of Education may stop paying interest if student who received Direct Subsidized Loans for maximum period continues enrollment. Visit Federal Student Aid for current interest rates.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
For undergraduate and graduate students; borrower is responsible for all interest; must be at least half-time; financial need is not required; visit Federal Student Aid for current interest rates.
Maximum eligibility period to receive Direct Subsidized Loans
Subsidy Eliminated at 150% of Academic Program
Congress has made permanent changes to the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan Program. New borrowers, as of July 1, 2013, receiving a subsidized student loan will be limited to receiving the subsidy to 150% of their academic program. The borrower who reaches the 150% limitation will have their interest subsidy end for all outstanding subsidized loans. Repayment does not begin, but like unsubsidized loans, the student (rather than the government) would become responsible for interest accumulation at this point.
If student is enrolled in a 2-year associate degree program, the maximum
period for which he/she can receive Direct Subsidized Loans is 3 years
(150% of 2 years = 3 years).
Students are encouraged to complete their academic program within the prescribed time frame. Students who cannot complete the program within the time period can borrow unsubsidized student loans.
Subsidized (Subsidy)
- The Direct Subsidized Loans are available only to undergraduate students with financial need.
- The subsidized loan is considered a need-based loan which means it is only awarded to those students who can demonstrate a financial need on the FAFSA.
- The government pays the interest on the loan while you’re in school at least half-time, for the first six months after you leave school, and during certain other periods (postponement of loan payments.)
Unsubsidized (No Subsidy)
- The unsubsidized loan is available to both undergraduates and graduate or professional degree students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need.
- Student is responsible for paying the interest on Direct Unsubsidized Loans during
all periods. - If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, the interest will be capitalized at the end of the grace, deferment, or forbearance period. That is, the unpaid interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan.
Loan Disbursement Information
Student loans must be accepted, rejected or modified (one time only) before being scheduled for disbursement. Loans are processed based on expected or actual enrollment. Any changes in enrollment status may result in the reduction or cancellation of the loan. Students must be enrolled for at least 6 credits before the loan will disburse. Enrollment status will be verified before releasing funds. Receipt of other financial assistance unknown at the time of awarding may also affect the amount of the student loan.
The Notice of Loan Guarantee and Disclosure Statement, which comes from the federal government, will list the approximate dates of disbursement to the school.
Students may cancel or reduce the amount of loan(s) by submitting a written request to the campus SFRS before the disbursement date.
Students who want to choose the Federal Work-Study Program, student loans may be reduced or cancelled. Contact your campus SFRS office.
Title IV Credit Arrangements
Oakland Community College does not have a contractual agreement with financial services providers/third-party vendors to offer Tier One and/or Tier Two Arrangements. Student refunds are processed as follows:
- deposited into the student's banking account,
- processed as a paper check and mailed to the address on file, or
- credited back to the credit card used for payment.
National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS)
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan program, and other Department of ED programs. NSLDS Student Access provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants so that recipients of Title IV Aid can access and inquire about their Title IV loans and/or grant data. Student information is available at NSLDS.
Students must log in with their Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.
Entrance Counseling
Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) are required for new, first-time borrowers. Loans will not disburse without these documents being completed.
Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and /or the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note by going to Student Loans.
For video tutorials on Entrance Loan Counseling and the Master Promissory Note select the following links:
Entrance Loan Counseling
Master Promissory Note
Direct PLUS Loans (Parent Loans)
For parents of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate or professional students; borrower is responsible for all interest; student must be enrolled at least half-time; financial need is not required; visit Federal Student Aid for current interest rates.
Private Education Loans (Alternative Loans)
Private student loans are offered through a variety of banks and other lenders. Students wanting private loan must apply separately from their financial aid application through an individual lender. The best rates on these loans are generally offered to borrowers with good credit and/or who have a cosigner with good credit.
Preferred Lender Arrangements/Preferred Lender List
Oakland Community College does not recommend or endorse any bank or lender. Oakland Community College does not have a Preferred Lender Arrangement and/or a Preferred Lender List. Oakland Community College does not provide assistance to students and families in their search for, or review of, private student loans. Students and/or parents must conduct their research independently.
The loan amount will be limited to the Cost of Attendance minus student financial assistance offered during the loan period of the private loan application. Oakland Community College’s responsibility is to certify the loan.
Oakland Community College uses an electronic process administered by ELM Resources to process loans from any lender. ELMNet is an internet-based system that helps schools and loan providers manage student data. ELMNet offers an open and lender-neutral platform. ELM is not affiliated with any lender.
Application Process
Students apply to the lender of their choice. The lenders determine eligibility for a credit-worthy loan. The lender can choose to:
- Send student data to ELM who sends approved loan records to OCC to verify enrollment and eligibility, or
- Send a paper application to OCC to verify and certify the loan
Disbursement
Loan Disbursements records are sent to ELM from lenders to be disbursed to Oakland Community College electronically. Disbursements occur every other Thursday; these dates coincide with Oakland Community College disbursement dates. Loan funds are deposited into the OCC account to be disbursed to recipients.
For paper applications, disbursements from the banks are sent via paper checks co-payable to OCC and the student.
Code of Conduct for Student Loans
Oakland Community College adheres to a Code of Conduct for Student Loans that prohibits inducements or incentives by private lenders.
Loan Consolidation
Allows you to combine loans so that you make only one monthly payment. You can consolidate any or all of your loans — you choose. There is no cost to you to consolidate. You can lower the interest rate on your Loans if you consolidate during your grace period. The Loan Servicer will assist you with the loan consolidation process.
Managing Your Loan Repayments
Basics of managing your loan repayments once you leave OCC:
Exit Counseling
Students who withdraw, graduate or enroll for less than six (6) credits must complete an exit counseling as required federal regulations.
The purpose of exit counseling is to provide students with the information needed to manage student loan debt. Exit Counseling is available for online completion at Federal Student Aid. To access the online counseling, students will need an FSA ID. The counseling session should take about 30 minutes to complete. When asked to select a school be sure to choose Oakland Community College.
If you have any questions regarding your Exit Loan Counseling requirement, please contact the Student Financial Resources and Scholarships Office at any campus.
Your Grace Period (Before You Repay Your Loan)
The grace period begins when you graduate, drop to below half-time or withdraw from the College. It will last for 6 consecutive months. If you do not use the full 6 months and return to school, you can regain your entire grace period if you immediately file a deferment form at your new school. The next time you complete a program or stop attending school, you will have the full 6-month grace period available to you. Once you use the entire 6 consecutive months of your grace period, it is gone forever. If you begin repayment and return to school, you can obtain deferment of principal payments by filing a deferment form. However, when you complete your next academic program or cease attendance, you will not have a grace period and repayment will begin immediately.
