Financial Aid

Student Loans

Direct Stafford loans are awarded for fall and spring terms upon completion of your FAFSA. Maximum awards are made based on eligibility. For summer term loans, you must complete a Summer Aid Request form by contacting our office to request one to be completed on your portal after registering for classes. If you plan to attend summer terms, you may need to reduce your fall and spring loans. Visit the financial aid office for more information.

Students will be notified by email when loan checks are available. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive a loan.

You will receive an award letter each time an award of any type is made for you. You must accept, reduce or decline your student loans after receiving your award letter. There are step by step instructions on your award letter.

There are annual and lifetime maximums based on your classification and dependency status. You should know how much you owe at all times.

New borrowers must complete LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING and a MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE at www.studentaid.gov.

Loan funds come directly to the university and credit your student account. If the loan creates a credit balance, you will receive a loan refund by either check or direct deposit (upon request).

A loan is a debt that must be repaid. Borrow responsibly, and live simply. Manage your money carefully, and stay within budget while attending school to minimize your debt. Loan funds are for educational related expenses only. For money management tips, visit CashCourse. You may also want to visit the Arkansas Student Loan Authority's site at www.arstudentloanhelp.com/hsu for more helpful information about money management.

Your loan grace period will begin when you drop below half-time status (6 hours) or withdraw from HSU. You must complete Loan Exit Counseling upon graduating, withdrawing from the university, or dropping below half-time enrollment.

Keep your address, telephone number and name updated at HSU Registrar's Office, located in Womack 210B. Our system uses the permanent address on file with the Registrar; please make sure it is up to date.

For help managing your student loan debt, visit the following links:

Title IV Loan Code of Conduct

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)