Loan Information

Federal Loans

California Baptist University Code: 00112500

FEDERAL LOANS

Federal Direct loans are offered to undergraduate students at a low fixed interest rate. Students must be enrolled at least half time (6 units) to be eligible. Repayment begins six months after the student leaves school or drops below half-time status. Students must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note before they can receive their first disbursement (see section below).

The Federal Direct Loan Program offers the following types of loans: 

Subsidized: for students who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. No interest is charged while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods. The Subsidized loan MUST be accepted in full before accepting the Unsubsidized loan.

Unsubsidized: not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods. Student needs to complete the FAFSA.

Click Here for more information about Federal Loans.
 
**To access your Federal Loan usage information, disbursements, loan servicer, and other loan information, please visit NSLDS (For Students).** 
 
 
CURRENT INTEREST RATES
23/24 Award Year - Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans - 5.50% Fixed (Valid July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024) 
 
CURRENT LOAN FEES
A loan fee (or origination fee) is an expense of borrowing a Federal Direct Loan (Sub/Unsub/PLUS). It is the percentage of the amount of each loan the borrower receives and is subtracted proportionately from each disbursement. Federal Direct Loan originated/disbursed on 10/01/2023 to 09/30/2024, the following loan fees will be applied:
 

Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans  – 1.057% (10/01/2023 to 09/30/2024)

Example: $5,500 loan for the 2023/2024 school year:

FA23 Disbursement     $2,750 - 1.057%         = $2,721

SP24 Disbursement     $2,750 - 1.057%         = $2,721

Total Received                                               = $5,442

 

LOAN LIMITS

                                              Dependent Students*      Independent Students

Freshman (0-29 units)         $5,500 ($3,500 sub)           $9,500 ($3,500 sub)

Sophomore (30-59 units)    $6,500 ($4,500 sub)          $10,500 ($4,500 sub)

Junior (60-89 units)             $7,500 ($5,500 sub)           $12,500 ($5,500 sub)

Senior (90+ units)               $7,500 ($5,500 sub)           $12,500 ($5,500 sub)

Total                                    $31,000 ($23,000 sub)      $57,500 ($23,000 sub) 

Amount in parenthesis represents the maximum amount of subsidized loan a student is eligible to receive. Amounts can vary, depending on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The remaining amount is offered in the form of a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. 

If you have changed grade levels after receiving your award letter, as determined by cumulative units earned, you may contact the Financial Aid Office to request an increase to your loans based on the above information. Please note, not every instance of a grade level change will result in additional aid, all increase approvals are pending review and approval by a Financial Aid Administrator.  

*Dependent students whose parents cannot get approved for the Direct Parent PLUS will receive an additional $4,000/yr Unsubsidized loan Freshman/Sophomore or $5,000 for Junior/Seniors . These additional amounts cannot exceed the independent aggregate limit.*

FAQ's

What is the difference between a Subsidized Stafford and an Unsubsidized Stafford loan?
The federal government pays the interest on a subsidized loan for you while you are in school. However, the interest on an unsubsidized loan will accrue while you are in school.
 
Do I have to pay the interest on an Unsubsidized Stafford loan while I am in school?
No, you do not have to pay any interest while you are in school. However, you may choose to make payments in an effort to keep the interest down. When you leave school, the accrued interest on the unsubsidized loans will be capitalized (added to the principal). You will then pay interest on the interest that has been capitalized.
 
Why didn’t I receive a Subsidized Stafford loan?
Your eligibility for a subsidized Stafford loan is determined by the results of the FAFSA. The calculation also includes any other grants or scholarships that you may receive.
  
Why don't I see my loans posted to my account on my expected disbursement date?
The Department of Education authorizes loan delivery approximately two business days after the expected loan disbursement. If you are a first time borrower, please insure you have completed a MPN and Entrance Counseling with studentaid.gov. Loans are certified once all documents have been received and reviewed. 
 
How soon can I expect a refund?
If your loans create a credit balance, contact Student Accounts to see when they send out refund checks.
 
 
 
 
**Remember to notify the Financial Aid Office if your number of enrolled units is changed or adjusted, as this could affect your Financial Aid offer.**

Federal Loan Types

The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program is the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. 

  • Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. The Subsidized Loan MUST be accepted in full before accepting the Unsubsidized Loan.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need. 
  • Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.

Repayment Information

Federal Student Loan Update

 

CBU wants to be sure you get up-to-date and accurate information about your federal student loans. We also want to supply any help needed to begin repayment of those loans. That’s why we’ve partnered with Student Connections to provide you with additional support.

 

Talk to a Borrower Advocate for free at (866) 311-9450. They’re available to answer questions about your outstanding loans and will work directly with you and your loan servicer when appropriate - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

 

LOAN FORGIVENESS UPDATE:

 

PAYMENT PAUSE UPDATE:

  • All borrowers in the payment pause will start making payments in October 2023.
  • Borrowers who left school April 2023 or later are an exception. They’re still in their automatic grace period and will begin payments when it concludes.
  • You’ll get your bill (including your payment amount and due date) at least 21 days before your due date.

 

Take These Steps Now

Repayment starts in October 2023. Follow these steps to get ready:

  1. Get access to your student loan data on StudentAid.gov and your federal loan servicer’s website.
  2. Use your loan servicer’s website to answer some basic questions about how much you owe, your payment amount, and your due date.
  3. Keep yourself in the loop about ongoing efforts to supply debt relief and support to student loan borrowers.
  4. Prepare to start making payments.

 

Worried about Affording Your Monthly Payments? 

Don’t panic. You’re not alone. Millions of student loan borrowers will struggle as repayment begins. The good news is there are many repayment options for borrowers facing financial hardship. Depending on your income, monthly payments can be reduced to zero dollars.

 

The Borrower Advocates at Student Connections can help answer any questions you have and determine what steps you need to take. This service is completely free to you!

 

Questions about Student Loan Repayment? 

In October 2023, 30 million borrowers will begin repayment at the same time. The existing support network will be strained, making it difficult to reach a person who can answer your questions. That’s where Student Connections can help!

 

Student Connections is passionate about helping students. They partner with schools to provide support for borrowers throughout the student loan repayment process. With more than 60 years of experience in counseling student loan borrowers, their primary goal is to help you find the repayment plan that best fits your needs.

 

While you are in student loan repayment, Student Connections may contact you through emails, text messages and phone calls to:

  • Help you understand your loan obligations and responsibilities.
  • Discuss available options for an affordable repayment plan.
  • Ensure you are aware of repayment options during financial hardships.
  • Promote your long-term repayment success. 

 

Talk to a Borrower Advocate for free at (866) 311-9450. They’re available to answer questions about your outstanding loans and will work directly with you and your loan servicer when appropriate - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

 

Avoid Student Loan Debt Relief Scams

Federal Student Aid (FSA) continues to warn borrowers about student loan scams. With so many recent efforts to create new programs that provide debt relief, even savvy borrowers might find it hard to tell the difference between a scam and legitimate forgiveness and relief efforts. 

 

Beware of any source that is not directing you to FSA or your loan servicer.

Required Documents

FIRST TIME BORROWERS
All first time borrowers are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. Loans will not be processed if documents are missing.
 
Master Promissory Note: legal agreement between the borrower and lender to repay the loans
Click Here to complete and for more information
 
Entrance Counseling: interactive session that shows your rights and responsibilities as a loan borrower
Click Here to complete and for more information
 
LOAN EXIT PROCESS
Exit Counseling is required when you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. Exit counseling reviews the borrower's rights and responsibilities, important information needed to repay your federal student loan(s).
 
Click Here to complete

Parent Loans

DIRECT PARENT PLUS 
The Parent PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent students (as determined by the FAFSA).  It can be used to help pay for any remaining educational expenses.
 
23/24 Award Year Interest Rate - 8.05% Fixed (Valid - 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2024)
 
Current Loan Fees - 4.228% (Valid - 10/01/2023 to 09/30/2024) 
 
To be eligible for the Parent PLUS loan, the borrower:
1. Must not have adverse credit history, or
2. Has an adverse credit history but has obtained an endorser who does not have and adverse credit history and completes PLUS Loan Counseling offered by the Dept. of ED, or 
3. Has an adverse credit history but documents to the satisfaction of the Dept. of ED that extenuation circumstances exist and completes PLUS Loan Counseling offered by the Dept. of ED.
 
Click Here to complete the PLUS Application or PLUS Counseling (parent needs to log in). The parent also needs to complete a Master Promissory Note on the same website. Repayment begins within 60 days of the loan being fully disbursed, unless the borrower chooses to defer payments. For full details, refer to the loan application. 

Click Here for more information.

**23/24 Parent PLUS Loans are available**

**24/25 Parent PLUS Loans are NOW Available**

 

PRIVATE LOANS FOR PARENTS

Private loans are available for parents of students who do not qualify for Federal loans or need additional aid. The following link has a list of lenders that have provided excellent customer service and have benefits designed to meet the needs of parents and students.

Please visit each lender's website to learn more about their features and benefits. Be sure to compare rates with the PLUS loan as well before making a decision.

Click Here for CBU's established lenders (select "Parent Loans" from the drop-down menu).

**23/24 Private Loans are available**

**24/25 Private Loans are NOW Available**

Private Loans

PRIVATE LOANS

Private Educational Loans are available to students who do not qualify for Federal Loans but need additional aid. These loans are not need based; rather, they are based on creditworthiness. Most students will need a creditworthy co-signer such as a parent or other relative to obtain a private education loan. Terms and conditions applicable to these loans vary greatly. Factors such as interest rate, APR, length or repayment, loan minimum and maximum, and fees should be carefully considered when researching and choosing a private educational loan. 

Click on the link to view a list of lenders.  ELM Select                

 **23/24 Private Loans are available**

**24/25 Private Loans are NOW Available**

Loan Change Forms