Loan Options
Students and their families may borrow money to bridge the gap between financial aid awards and total cost of attendance. The main difference between loans and other forms of financial aid is that loans must be repaid, with interest or fees. We recommend that students view loans as part of their investment for the future by comparing different loan options and choosing the one(s) that best meets their needs and goals.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan (Undergraduate Only)
This federal loan program provides loans to students who demonstrate financial need. The FAFSA determines eligibility for this loan. Students may borrow up to $3,500 for the first year, $4,500 for the second year, and $5,500 per year thereafter. The student begins repayment of principal and interest six months after graduation or once they cease to be enrolled less than half time at an interest rate currently at 5.5% beginning July 1, 2023.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Undergraduate Only)
This lending option is available to students who do not qualify for the need-based Federal Subsidized Loan. It has the same terms as the Subsidized loan except that interest accrues on the principal loan amount while the student is in school. The student has the option of paying the accumulating interest or deferring it until the loan enters repayment. The student begins repayment of principal and interest six months after graduation or once they cease to be enrolled less than half time at an interest rate currently at 5.5% beginning July 1, 2023. Students may borrow $2,000 more per year in addition to the annual amounts listed.
Federal Direct Parent Loan Plus (Undergraduate Only)
Parents who complete a FAFSA may borrow up to the annual total cost of attendance less any financial aid. There’s a fixed interest rate of 8.05% for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before June 30, 2023 with a 4.228% origination fee. Repayment begins 60 days after the full loan has been disbursed. Arrangements for deferred or other repayment options must be made directly with the Direct Loan Program and is at their discretion.
Private Loans
Private loan applications are completed directly with the lender of your choice. RMC has partnered with ELMSelect to help you view and compare some of the most popular private loan options. This free service can assist you in finding loan rates and terms that best meet your needs, as well as provide loan counseling services, financial literacy tips, and more.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan (Graduate Only)
Graduate and professional students have an additional, affordable option for funding their education with the Graduate PLUS Loan which is guaranteed by the federal government and has a fixed interest rate. Eligibility for this loan is not based on household income, assets, or financial need but is determined, in part, by a complete FAFSA and your personal credit history. Many students with limited or no credit history can qualify, however, students with an adverse credit history may not qualify. An eligible student can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid received.
There’s a fixed interest rate of 8.05% for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before June 30, 2023 with a 4.228% origination fee. Subject to credit approval, choice of repayment terms. Must complete Grad PLUS application, master promissory note, and entrance counseling at studentaid.gov.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Graduate Only)
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. It has the same terms as the Subsidized loan except that interest accrues on the principal loan amount while the student is in school. The student has the option of paying the accumulating interest or deferring it until the loan enters repayment. The student begins repayment of principal and interest six months after graduation or once they cease to be enrolled less than half time at an interest rate currently at 8.05% beginning July 1, 2023. Students may borrow up to $20,500 per year based on eligibility.