You can either receive a subsidized or unsubsidized loan during your period of enrollment.
A subsidized loan is a need-based loan. The government will pay the interest on the loan as long as you are enrolled at least six credit hours.
An unsubsidized loan is not a need-based loan. You are responsible for the interest from the date your funds are disbursed. If possible, you want to pay the interest while you are in school because if you do not pay the interest while in the school, the interest will be capitalized.
How do I qualify?
To determine if you are eligible, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid along with the North Harris College institutional forms. Based on the information you submit, the school follows a standard formula designed by the U.S. Department of Education to produce an EFC number (expected family contribution).
Your EFC number will help determine if you are eligible for any grant funding first. Once your eligibility for grant funding is determined, then you can apply for student loans. You must be enrolled at least six credit hours, maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, and have attended a loan entrance interview.
How much will I get?
If you are a dependent student, the maximum award for freshman (0 – 29 credit hours completed) is $2625 and for sophomores (30 + credit hours completed) is $3500.
If you are an independent student, the maximum award for freshman (0 – 29 credit hours completed) is $6625 and for sophomores (30 + credit hours completed) is $7500.
How will the funds be disbursed?
If you will be attending both the fall and spring semesters, loan funds will be released 30 days after the start ofeach semester unless you have a late start class. If you have a late start class, your loan funds will not be released until approximately two weeks after the start of the class that matches your level of award.
If you will be attending just the fall or just the spring semester, loan funds will be released in two disbursements. The first disbursement will be released 30 days after the start of the semester unless you have a late start class. If you have a late start class, your loan funds will not be released until approximately two weeks after the start of the class that matches your level of award. The second disbursement will be released after the 50% point of the semester.
