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Eligibility requirements for federal loans
Eligibility requirements for federal loans
C
Written by Cyndi Myers
Updated over a week ago

Basic Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive a Direct Unsubsidized loan, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Have proof of US citizenship or permanent residency

  • At least half-time enrollment status 

  • Have completed at least 72 hours of undergraduate or graduate credits with a passing grade

  • Maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and a 75% completion rate while attending Westminster

Please note that any change in your enrollment status can affect your eligibility to receive a loan.

Private loans have various respective eligibility requirements and not all are the same, so be sure to do diligent and relevant research when searching for a private loan. 

Please note that loans are currently available for all programs except the Certificate,  DMin, and MAC programs.

Changes in Enrollment Status

Changes in your enrollment status can directly impact your eligibility for loans, since students must be at least half-time status in order to be eligible for a government loan. If you have applied for a private loan, be sure to check with the lender to understand their loan eligibility guidelines. 

How can your status change?

  • If you drop or withdraw from a course, your loan may be adjusted or you may lose loan eligibility.

  • If you are considering taking a Leave of Absence (LOA), you should first contact the Registrar’s Office for guidance on this process. A LOA is limited to 180 days in any 12-month period, and if you fail to return from an LOA, the starting date of the loan’s grace period is the start date of the LOA.

  • If you cease to be enrolled at least half-time, you will need to complete online Exit Counseling.

Students may be legally required to return some of their student loan monies if they withdraw or drop courses or take a leave of absence. Review the information below to see what situations allow you to qualify.  Review our Return of Title IV Funds Policy here.

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