Loans

Loan Repayment

Student loan repayment is underway as of October 2023. Borrowers may choose from various repayment plans including fixed payment plans and income-driven plans. Borrowers who do not apply for a specific repayment plan are automatically enrolled in the Standard Repayment Plan (a 10-year fixed repayment plan). This plan may result in a higher monthly payment. Borrowers who enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Repayment Plan have had their loans placed in a forbearance status. Please contact your student loan servicer for details.

The online income-driven repayment plan and loan consolidation applications are available at studentaid.gov/idr. Please review the Federal Student Aid announcement page for the latest updates on student loan repayment.

Loans

Federal loans are considered financial aid. Student loans are a resource to assist families in meeting the costs of higher education expenses. By completing the FAFSA, you are considered for all types of financial aid, including loans. Your Financial Aid Offer will include Federal Loans. A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you decide to take out a loan, make sure you understand who is making the loan and the terms of the loan. Student loans can come from the U.S. Department of Education. Student loans can also be from private sources, such as a bank or financial institution. Federal Loans often offer borrowers lower interest rates. They also may have more flexible repayment options than loans from banks or other private sources. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for details on types of loans offered.

Our website gives details about both federal and private loans. Ohio University also offers a short term loan program to students needing temporary financial assistance.

Financial aid payment of Federal loans are dependent upon eligible enrollment. Some courses that are being retaken after previously receiving a passing grade in the course may not count toward financial aid eligible enrollment. Additionally, the cost of attendance will reflect the financial aid eligible enrollment, excluding non-eligible retaken courses. In summary, the following rules regarding repeated/retaken courses are applicable:

• Courses with a grade of F may be retaken and count toward financial aid enrollment.
• Courses with a grade of W/WP/WF/WN may be retaken and count toward financial aid enrollment.
• Courses with a passing grade may be retaken once and count toward financial aid enrollment.
• Courses with a passing grade taken twice will not count toward financial aid enrollment.
• Exceptions include courses that the university defines as "repeatable".

For specific loan questions, please email financial.aid.loan@ohio.edu.