Student Loans

Student loans are government low-interest loans available to students enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester. Federal Direct Student Loans can be made in the student’s name and sent to the school on behalf of the student, or parents of a dependent student may qualify for a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

Funds borrowed through student or parent loan programs MUST be repaid. Before applying for student loans, take time to download and read through the College Loan Code of Conduct.

Types of Student Loans

Remember, all loans have to be repaid. The interest rate on subsidized and unsubsidized loans is fixed at 5.50 percent for loans disbursed after July 1, 2023. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to maintain at least half-time enrollment. The student must also complete a loan application, Master Promissory Note, and entrance counseling to receive loans at WNCC.

Federal Direct Subsidized (need-based)

Eligibility is determined from Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must complete the FAFSA annually to remain eligible for federal direct student loans.
The federal government pays interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half time (six credits).
Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to maintain at least half-time enrollment.

Annual Loan Limit:

Freshman: $3,500 base (may be subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination) + $2,000 additional unsubsidized = $5,500 annual maximum
Sophomore (completed 30+ credits): $4,500 base (may be subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination) + $2,000 additional unsubsidized = $6,500 annual maximum
Independent students may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan amounts. Contact the WNCC Financial Aid Office to request a Supplemental Unsubsidized Loan Request Form.

Federal Direct Unsubsudized (non-need based)

The student is responsible for all interest on the loan (which begins accumulating immediately).
The student may pay the interest while in school or defer it until repayment, at which time it is capitalized and added to the loan balance.
Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to maintain at least half-time enrollment.

Annual Loan Limit:

Freshman: $3,500 base (may be subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination) + $2,000 additional unsubsidized = $5,500 annual maximum
Sophomore (completed 30+ credits): $4,500 base (may be subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination) + $2,000 additional unsubsidized = $6,500 annual maximum
Independent students may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan amounts. Contact the WNCC Financial Aid Office to request a Supplemental Unsubsidized Loan Request Form.

Federal PLUS Loans

The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a loan for parents of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at six credits. The loan is in the parent's name and the parent is responsible for repayment of the loan. Parents will undergo a credit check to determine eligibility for the loan.

If the parent is approved, the parent may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any other financial assistance the student receives. Repayment begins within 60 days after the full loan is disbursed. Parents may request an in-school deferment from the lender. The interest rates for PLUS loans is 8.05 percent for loans disbursed after July 1, 2023.
If the parent is denied for the PLUS due to adverse credit history, the parent may secure an approved endorser or appeal on extenuating circumstances. In both cases, the parent will be required to complete PLUS Counseling online. If the parent is denied for the PLUS, the student may submit a copy of the denial from the lender and request additional unsubsidized loan funds with a written request to the Financial Aid Office.

Student Loan Eligibility

General eligibility for federal financial assistance can be found on our Financial Aid policies page.

Counseling

If you have not received Federal Direct Student Loans from WNCC previously, you MUST complete Loan Entrance Counseling online.

Once we receive notification from the site that your Entrance Counseling has been completed, we will continue processing your loan request.

Students who have received Federal Direct Student Loans while attending Western Nebraska Community College MUST complete Loan Exit Counseling online before graduating or ceasing at least half-time enrollment.

Student Loan Processes

Applying for Loans

Before applying for federal loans, you must first complete the FAFSA each semester. Then complete the appropriate application form below. If you prefer to fill out and submit a paper loan application and Master Promissory Note, please call the Financial Aid Office at 308.635.6011 or email financialaid@wncc.edu.

Disbursement

All loans MUST be disbursed in two equal payments. If you apply for an academic year loan, one payment will disburse during the fall semester and one will disburse during spring. If you choose a fall only loan, however, both disbursements will occur during the same semester: one at the start of the semester at the first disbursement date (if all applications are complete) and one at or after mid-point of the semester. Please note that you cannot receive the full academic year loan limit in one semester by choosing a fall only loan.

First-year first-time borrowers cannot receive the first loan disbursement until 30 days after the start of the semester.

PLUS Disbursement
WNCC receives the loan proceeds from the lender for PLUS disbursements. The loan will first be applied to the student's account. Once all school charges are paid, the parent can decide if remaining funds are returned to the parent or directly to the student for educational expenses.

Cancellation and repaying

Loan Cancellation
You may cancel all or part of your loan within 14 days of disbursement of your loan proceeds. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you wish to decline or change the amount of your student loans. Please be aware that if you receive additional awards that result in you exceeding your estimated cost of attendance, your loan amounts may be adjusted. Any adjustments to your aid will result in subsequent award notifications.

Receipt of funds is contingent upon your continued eligibility for financial aid. Your eligibility for each program will be reconfirmed at the time of disbursement.

Repaying Loans
Funds borrowed through student or parent loan programs must be repaid. Federal Student Aid provides information regarding managing student loan debt, repayment plans, consolidation loans, public service loan forgiveness, default, and dealing with financial difficulty.

Federal Direct and PLUS loan information is submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and is accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. Information on loan status and outstanding balances can be found at Federal Student Aid’s Manage Loans.

Borrower contact information is available on this Loan Servicing Center page.

Contact Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office
308.635.6011
financialaid@wncc.edu