Student Loans

An educational loan is a legally binding contract that must be repaid with interest, even if you do not graduate, find a job, or if you are not satisfied with the education you received.

Good things to know about loans

You are not obligated to accept any loans offered to you if you do not need them.
Never borrow more than what you need when considering loans.
Pre-Loan entrance and exit loan counseling is required on all loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans do not require a separate application--your FAFSA® qualifies you for this type of aid.

Direct Subsidized loans are federal student loans made available to undergraduate college and university students to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work-study. The federal government pays the interest to the lender on the subsidized loans during the student's enrollment, during the grace period, and during authorized periods of deferment on a Subsidized Loan.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
You must be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate program.
You must have completed a FAFSA®.
You must have completed high school or equivalent (e.g., GED).
You must not be in default or delinquent on any existing federal loan.
You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
View a full list of details and information about Direct Subsidized Loans at studentaid.gov.

Direct Unsubsidized loans are federal student loans made available to students to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work-study. Nearly all students are eligible to receive Direct Unsubsidized loans regardless of credit. The Federal Unsubsidized program is open to students who may not qualify for Federal Direct Subsidized loans. This loan has the same terms and conditions as Subsidized Direct loans, except the government does not pay interest on the student's behalf. Please visit the studentaid.gov website for information about current interest rates.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
You must be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student.
You must have completed a FAFSA®.
You must have completed high school or equivalent (e.g., GED).
You must not be in default or delinquent on any existing federal loan.
You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements.
Be aware that first-year, first-time borrowers must wait thirty (30) days from the beginning of the semester for the first disbursement.
View a full list of details and information about Direct Subsidized Loans at studentaid.gov.

The Federal Parent PLUS Loan is a loan borrowed by a parent on behalf of a child to help pay for tuition and school-related expenses. A PLUS Loan allows a parent to borrow the total cost of undergraduate education including tuition, room and board, and any other eligible school expenses, minus any aid the child is receiving in their name. The Plus Loan is a credit-based loan and requires good or favorable credit, or a co-signer. Please visit the studentaid.gov website for information about current interest rates.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
You must be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate degree program.
You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements.
You must have completed a FAFSA®.
You must have completed high school or equivalent (e.g., GED).
You must not be in default or delinquent on any existing federal loan.
The parent borrower must begin repayment of the loan within 60 days of the loan disbursement, and they have up to ten (10) years to repay the loan. Parents can also request a deferment while their child is still at least a part-time student. Be aware that first-year, first-time borrowers must wait thirty (30) days from the beginning of the semester for the first disbursement.
View a full list of details and information about Direct Subsidized Loans at studentaid.gov.

A Grad PLUS loan is a type of federal direct PLUS loan designed for graduate and professional students. The Grad PLUS loan allows a graduate or professional student to borrow up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) as a federal unsubsidized direct loan. Grad PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan. Please visit the studentaid.gov website for information about current interest rates. The maximum PLUS loan amount you can borrow is the COA minus any other financial assistance you receive. The Plus Loan is a credit-based loan and requires good or favorable credit, or a co-signer.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
You must be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate or professional degree program.
You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements.
You must have completed a FAFSA®.
You must have completed high school or equivalent (e.g., GED).
You must not be in default or delinquent on any existing federal loan.
For a full list of details and information about the Grad PLUS Loan, visit studentaid.gov.

What is a Cohort Default Rate?

A school’s cohort default rate (CDR) is the percentage of a school’s students who had certain federal student loans enter repayment in a federal fiscal year and then default before the end of the cohort default rate period.

Cohort default rates are based on federal fiscal years. Federal fiscal years begin October 1^st of a calendar year and end on September 30^th of the following calendar year. Each federal fiscal year refers to the calendar year in which it ends.

At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), we are dedicated to promoting financial transparency and providing valuable information to our students and the community. As part of our commitment, we have implemented a policy to disclose our CDR on an annual basis, regardless of whether it rises above or remains below the national average. If TAMUCC’s CDR exceeds the national average, we will promptly notify all students via e-mail of the updated CDR status.

TAMUCC's most recent CDRs:

FY 2020: 0.0

FY 2019: 1.8

FY 2018: 6.7

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding our CDR notification process or any other Financial Aid matters, please do not hesitate to contact Student Financial Assistance.

College Access Loan (CAL)

Note: To delay the disbursement of funds towards semester expenses, start the loan process 30 days prior to the payment deadline.

The College Access Loan Program (CAL) provides alternative education loans to Texas students unable to meet the Cost of Attendance.

When certifying a CAL, Institutions are confirming that the amount of the requested loan is $100.00 or higher and not to exceed the difference in the student’s COA and other forms of financial assistance for which the student is eligible (SUB/UNSUB).

View updated information on interest rates.

Please use general loan term dates when filling out an application. However, your loan will be processed using specific enrollment dates for your program.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a Texas resident.
You must be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student in a course of study leading to an associate, bachelor, graduate, or higher degree or be enrolled in an approved Alternative Educator Certification Program.
You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
You must receive a favorable credit evaluation or provide a cosigner who has good credit standing and meets other requirements
You must receive additional counseling and exhaust all other federal aid before applying for this loan.
You must have FAFSA application on file.
You must apply for the loan at www.hhloans.com.

Visit hhloans.com for a full list of details and information about the CAL Loan.

Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan

The FORWARD Loan Program is a low-interest loan designed for students enrolled in programs aligned with high-value credentials and high-demand occupations. This program is limited to students enrolled in specific programs in Energy, Nursing/Patient Care, Teaching, Technology, and Transportation/Logistics.

Download: FORWARD Loan List of Eligible Programs of Study (PDF)

For more information about this loan, schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor.

Alternative Loans

Note: To prevent delay of payment of funds towards semester expenses, start the loan process application 30 days prior to the payment deadline.

Alternative (private) loans are administered and processed by private lending institutions to be used for educational costs after exhausting potentially more favorable federal and state financial aid options first.

If your GPA is under 2.0, you must call the Financial Aid Office
If your completion rate is less than 67%, you must call the Financial Aid Office
Different lending institutions will also have their own lending requirements

Exhaust Federal Student Aid Options First

Due to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) of 2009, lenders must provide multiple disclosures to the borrower and collect a Self-Certification Form from them. Please remember that due to these new requirements, your alternative loan disbursement may be delayed as required by this law.

Application Process

Alternative loans are not part of the Federal student loan programs and should be used for circumstances where you have exhausted all other options regarding financing your education. We recommend you apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before seeking an alternative loan. You may be eligible for the Federal William D. Ford (Direct) loan program. Benefits of the Direct Loans over an alternative loan may include lower interest rates and greater repayment options.
Search for an alternative loan lender through FastChoice.

Points to consider when choosing a lender

Interest Rate – It may be capitalized: therefore, increasing the amount of money you owe. Consider using a cosigner. You may qualify for slightly lower rates.
Fees – The interest rates and fees that you pay are based on your credit score and the credit score of your cosigner if you choose to use one.
Borrower Benefits – These vary by lender.
Repayment Terms – Some lenders require you to pay while you are in school. Others will defer payments until after graduation.
Eligibility Requirements - Check the requirements for the loan.

Please contact the financial aid office for loan request dates.

Emergency Tuition Loan

Emergency loans for payment of tuition and fees or supplies/textbooks are available through the University's Business Office on a limited funds basis.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
You must be enrolled and in good academic standing.
You must have a good credit history with the University.
You must have a reliable means of repayment or have a co-signer.

For more information regarding Emergency Loans, contact the Business Office.

Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

Subsidized Loan

Unsubsidized Loan

Parent PLUS Loan

Grad PLUS Loan

Federal Student Loan Cohort Default Rate

College Access Loan (CAL)

Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan

Alternative Loans

Emergency Tuition Loan

Contact Financial Aid