Student Loans | Financial Aid | South Carolina State University

Student loans are one of the most common types of financial aid used by South Carolina State University students. Offered by the government or other organizations, student loans can be used to pay for some or all of your tuition and fees.

To get a student loan, simply apply for financial aid by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid® (FAFSA) form. It is important that you fully complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. When you do, be sure to indicate that you would like to attend SC State by including the Title IV School Code: 003446.

Upon completion and review of your FAFSA, a student loan may be offered to you as part of your financial aid offer. While student loans are a useful way to help you pay for school, it's important to keep in mind that unlike a scholarship or grant , a loan must be paid back. The rates and terms of loans vary. If you intend to take a student loan, it's important to understand what you'll be required to pay and when.

Federal regulations require student loan recipients to make satisfactory academic progress each year toward earning a degree. That progress is based on your grade point average (GPA) and credits earned each semester in relation to credits attempted. To learn more about SC State's satisfactory academic progress policies, please consult the undergraduate catalog.

Concerned about managing your debt?

Visit the Loan Management section on StudentAid.gov .

Explore Loans for SC State Students

There are several student loans available to SC State students. Please review the information below to learn more about a few.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan

Subsidized federal student loans are awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays your accrued interest during certain periods, such as when you are is in school, thereby “subsidizing” these loans.

Freshmen may borrow up to $3,500 per academic year.
Sophomores may borrow up to $4,500 per academic year.
Juniors and Seniors may borrow up to $5,500 per academicyear.

Unsubsidized loans are not need-based; as the borrower, you are responsible for accrued interest throughout the life of the loan. The yearly maximumfor unsubsidized Stafford Loans varies from:

$3,500 for a dependent first-year student.
$10,500 for an independent third- or fourth-year student.
$20,500 for a graduate student.

Repayment on subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans begins six months after you leave college. Payment of these loans is typically made in monthly installments.

Note: Whatever you receive in subsidized Stafford funds will be subtracted from the maximum amounts above. You will not receive more than the maximum amount in subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans combined.

Perkins Loan

The Perkins Loan program offers funds for needy students who are accepted for enrollment or enrolled at least half-time based on the availability of funds.

As an undergraduate student, you may borrow up to $4,500 each academic year. The repayment period and interest do not begin until nine months after you've completed your studies. The loan bears interest at the rate of five percent per year and repayment of principal may extend over a 10-year period, except that the lending institution may require payment of at least $40 per month.

Contact Us

Need to learn more about student loans? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and we'll provide guidance to help you find the best payment solution for you!

Office of Financial Aid
803-536-7067
financialaid@scsu.edu