Loans

These low-interest loans are available to students who file the FAFSA and meet federal aid eligibility. Graduate students may qualify for Unsubsidized Direct Loans.

Key Details: 

• Enrollment Requirement: At least half-time (3 units for Graduate & 6 units for Undergraduate)
• Annual Limits: Vary by program—contact your financial aid advisor
• Aggregate Limit: $138,500 (includes undergrad and grad borrowing)
• Interest Rate: Fixed yearly (set on July 1). Check current rates
• Origination Fees: More info here
• Repayment: Begins 6 months after graduation, withdrawal, or dropping below half-time. The typical repayment term is 10 years.

To Receive Funds: 

1. Complete your FAFSA
2. Log in to studentaid.gov to:
   1. Complete Entrance Counseling
   2. Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
3. Accept your loan via Workday 

Continuing students who’ve already completed the MPN and counseling only need to accept their new loan in Workday.

This credit-based loan helps cover remaining costs after Federal Direct Loans.

Eligibility:

• Must complete a FAFSA
• Credit approval required
• No aggregate limit

Key Info: 

• Interest Rate & Fees: See studentaid.gov
• Repayment: Begins 60 days after full disbursement (no grace period). However, in-school deferment is available—contact your loan servicer.

Unsure who your loan servicer is? Visit the National Student Loan Data System.

This subsidized loan is available to accepted Nursing students with exceptional financial need. (Pre-nursing students are not eligible.)

Loan Details: 

• Amount: Varies based on funding
• Interest: Fixed at 5%, begins 9 months after graduation or withdrawal
• Repayment: Begins 9 months after graduation, withdrawal, or dropping below half-time

Requirements: 

• Sign a promissory note at the start of each semester
• Complete Entrance Counseling at ecsi.net
• Complete Exit Counseling when leaving PLNU or falling below half-time

Important: This is a federal loan. Failure to repay will impact your credit and must be reported to the federal government.

A private loan is another option for funding your education. Students should apply for a private loan only after all federal loan options have been exhausted (such as the Federal Direct Loans). Private loans are credit-based and often require, or at least benefit from, a co-signer. Parents may also apply for certain private loan options. Please be cautious and borrow only what you need for the academic year.

Choosing a Lender

PLNU provides a Private Loan Lender List to help you begin your research. While these lenders have worked well with PLNU students in the past, offer competitive rates and terms, and have been reviewed by our office, you are welcome to apply with any lender of your choice.

View our Private Loan Lender List

These are the items the SFS team reviews annually when selecting lenders:

• Who is eligible for the loan?
• What are the interest rates and fees?
• Is a co-signer required, and when are they released?
• What are the standard repayment terms and forebearance/deferment options?
• Is the application process simple and clear?
• Is Customer Service easy to contact?
• What is unique about the Program?

PLNU receives no compensation or benefits from any lenders. The lender list and marketplace

resource are provided so that our students and parents are aware of which providers have completed the screening process. We do not accept revenue-sharing, compensation agreements, gifts, or trips from any lending institution. Any services provided must have a direct benefit or interest to our students. Click here for our Code of Conduct. 

We’ve also partnered with Sparrow, a loan marketplace, to give you another way to compare private loan options.

View the Sparrow Marketplace

Before You Borrow 

• Carefully review the loan application and promissory note.
• Confirm the loan’s interest rate, APR, repayment terms, and fees.
• Keep in mind that private loans often carry higher interest rates than federal loans.
• Applying with a co-signer may improve approval chances and lower your interest rate.

You may qualify for loan forgiveness based on your profession or employer. Below are common options:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you work full-time for a public service employer, you may be eligible to have your Federal Direct Loan balance forgiven after 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Eligibility Highlights: 

• Must work full-time for a qualifying public service organization
• Must make 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan
• Loans must be Federal Direct Loans

Learn more at studentaid.gov.

Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Teachers may qualify for loan forgiveness of up to:

• $5,000 for general teachers
• $17,500 for math, science, and special education teachers

Requirements: 

• Must teach full-time for 5 consecutive years in a low-income school
• Apply directly with your loan servicer after completing your service

See eligible schools and details at studentaid.gov.

Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE) – California Only

The APLE is a California teacher incentive program. Although no new applications are being accepted due to recent budget changes, current participants (from 2011–12 and prior) will continue to be supported.

Questions about your APLE status? Contact the California Student Aid Commission for updates.