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General Loan Information

Austin Peay participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. For steps on applying for and accepting loans, we recommend reviewing our financial aid process.

With Direct Loans, you:

Student Direct Loan Information

Enrollment 

Undergraduate students enrolling at the Clarksville or Fort Campbell campus must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours between both campuses to be eligible for student loans. Graduate students must enroll in at least 3 graduate level hours.

Graduate and Professional Students

Graduate and professional students are not eligible to receive Subsidized loan funds. However, graduate and professional students may qualify for up to $20,500 in Unsubsidized loans each academic year.

150% Regulation

Federal Direct Loan borrowers taking their first loan on or after July 1, 2013 may qualify for a Subsidized Direct Loan for a maximum of 150% of the length of their academic program. Students will be limited to receiving Subsidized loans for 3 years in a 2-year program or 6 years in a 4-year program. Students reaching this limitation could receive Unsubsidized loans if eligible. Additionally, borrowers who reach the 150% limitation will have their interest subsidy end for all outstanding subsidized loans. You may review additional information from Federal Student Aid

Direct Loan Borrowing Limits:

Once students have applied for student loans, the maximum amount they can borrow each year depends on their grade level and whether they are considered a dependent or independent student. 

Loan Borrowing Limits

 Dependent

Maximum Sub

Additional Unsub Combined Sub and Unsub
Freshman (0-29 passed hours) $3,500 $2,000 $5,500
Sophomore (30-59 passed hours) $4,500 $2,000 $6,500
Junior/Senior (60+ passed hours) $5,500 $2,000 $7,500

 Independent

Maximum Sub

Additional Unsub Combined Sub and Unsub
Freshman (0-29 passed hours) $3,500 $6,000 $9,500
Sophomore (30-59 passed hours) $4,500 $6,000 $10,500
Junior/Senior (60+ passed hours) $5,500 $7,000 $12,500
Graduate $0 $20,500 $20,500

 

Aggregate loan limits for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

 

Maximum Sub

Additional Unsub Combined Sub and Unsub
Dependent Undergraduate $23,000 $8,000 $31,000
Independent Undergraduate $23,000 $34,500 $57,500
Graduate (This include Undergrad Amount $0 $138,500 $138,500

 

Important Information

Your aggregate loan limits include both Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and any Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans received through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). 

Transfer Students

The amount of loans received at a previous institution may affect your eligibility to receive loans at APSU. If you received Federal Direct Stafford loans during the current academic year at another institution, ensure all pending loan disbursements are canceled at your previous institution before applying for financial aid at APSU.  

 Loan Origination Fees

 Loan Fees by Disbursement Dates
First Disbursed Date Loan Type Loan Fee
On or after 10/1/20 and before 10/1/25 Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans  Fixed at 1.057%
On or after 10/1/20 and before 10/1/25 Direct PLUS Loans (Parents and Graduate or Professional Students) Fixed at 4.228%

 

2024-2025 Loan Interest Rates

Loan Interest Rates by Disbursement Dates
Loan Type First Disbursed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025
Direct Subsidized Loans (Undergraduate Students)
Fixed at 6.53%
Direct Unsubsidized Loans (Undergraduate Students) Fixed at 8.08%
Direct Unsubsidized Loans (Graduate or Professional Students Fixed at 8.08%
Direct PLUS Loans (Parents and Graduate or Professional Students) Fixed at 9.08%

You may also review additional Direct Loan information through Federal Student Aid. 

Ombudsman

If a borrower disputes the terms of the Federal Direct Loan in writing and the holder of the loan is unable to resolve the dispute, a borrower may seek the assistance of the Office of Education's Student Loan Ombudsman. The Student Loan Ombudsman will review and attempt to informally resolve your dispute and may be reached at 1-877-557-2575.