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Loans

Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

FEDERAL

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

Graduate students enrolled at least half-time (4 graduate hours or more) may borrow through the Graduate PLUS loan.  The student must first apply for the maximum loan eligibility in Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans before a Graduate PLUS loan can be processed.  Loan eligibility is based upon the cost of attendance minus other aid received.  A credit check is required.
Graduate PLUS Loan Application

Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan

This loan is awarded on the basis on financial need. You will not be charged any interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government "subsidizes" the interest during these periods.

Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

This loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You’ll be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized—that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount. This will increase the amount you have to repay. We suggest that you pay the interest prior to capitalization

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Parents may borrow for dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half time. Loan eligibility is based on the cost of attendance minus other aid received. A credit check is required.
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Application

Federal Perkins Loan

This is a low-interest loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. The interest rate is five percent (5%).

STATE

Nursing Service Cancelable Loan

These loans are available to fully accepted Junior and Senior Nursing students. Each year of the loan is cancelled by practicing full-time for one calendar year in the state of Georgia as a Registered Nursing at an approved site. Students must obtain employment in Georgia and receive approval of the employment site for service credit. Loan funds are limited. Applications are normally available for the academic year online at http://www.gacollege411.org beginning in June.

INSTITUTIONAL

Columbus State University Emergency Loan

This  short-term loan is sponsored by the Jac. H. and Dora G. Rothschild Assistance Fund and CSU Foundation. Students may borrow up to $2,050 each semester, fall 2009 and Spring 2009, toward CSU tuition, fees, room and board, not to exceed the unpaid balance of institutional charges. The origination fee is $45. Repayment is made in three installments, scheduled on the 15th of each month. Loans for summer semester (by separate application) are normally scheduled in two installments. Undergraduate students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better on institutional and transfer coursework. However, GPA requirements are waived for entering freshmen with no transfer coursework and for graduate students. A cosigner who is employed full-time or receives a regular monthly income is required for undergraduates. The cosigner requirement is waived for active duty military personnel. The cosigner must not be the spouse of the borrower or a student enrolled at CSU. However, military spouses are acceptable as co-signers.
Columbus State University Emergency Loan Applications

Elisabeth D. Pattillo Loan Fund

This fund provides support to undergraduate students majoring in special education with an emphasis in mental retardation. Students who qualify may borrow up to $800 annually. Borrowers may qualify for service repayment by teaching in the Muscogee County School District in the field of mental retardation.

Greentree-Sevier Education Loan

A limited number of these loans are awarded annually to students who have demonstrated satisfactory academic ability and are in need of funds to continue their education. These loans, in amounts generally up to $1,000 per semester, bear a simple interest rate of 8.5 percent per annum. No interest accrues, nor is any payment due, while the student is enrolled. Repayment and interest begins 90 days after termination of studies.

Master's Programs in Counseling Loan

Students who have been fully admitted to either the Master's programs in school counseling or the Master's programs in community counseling may borrow up to two-thirds of in-state tuition and fees per semester.

ALTERNATIVE

The Pickett and Hatcher Educational Loan

A nonprofit, noncommercial educational trust fund created to assist first-time entering fulltime undergraduate students in fields of study other than law, medicine or the ministry. Distribution of new applications begins January 1. Individuals are given three weeks to return applications. SAT I score must be at least a 950 or a composite ACT score must be at least  20. The student must be a legal resident of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia. For more information, write to Pickett and Hatcher Educational Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 8169, Columbus, Georgia 31908.

Wells Fargo Education Connection Loan

An alternative loan for students seeking additional assistance for educational expenses (minimum $1000).  This loan is available to students who have an established, positive credit history or a cosigner who does.  It does not require school certification and interest rates are competitive. Application can be made on-line at http://www.wellsfargo.com/student/loans/undergrad/education or by calling 1-800-658-3567.