William D. Ford Direct Student Loan
The William D. Ford Direct Student Loan is a federal interest-delayed loan for college students. Eligibility is based upon the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
As long as students are enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, no interest accrues and no payments are due. Interest begins at graduation or when the student is no longer enrolled in six credit hours. After graduation there is a six-month grace period before repayment begins. Students who do not qualify for the interest subsidy may still borrow in the William D. Ford Unsubsidized Student Loan program.
Students must complete a promissory note and an entrance interview on the site before they can receive the William D. Ford Loan funds and an exit interview when they complete their time at Hesston College. Information regarding the terms of all William D. Ford Direct Student Loans, sample repayment schedules and loan repayment information is available at studentaid.gov.
William D. Ford Direct Loan Limits
Student loans can be an important part of making college affordable. Through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, eligible students can access low-interest loans to help cover tuition and other college costs. Loan amounts may vary by year in school and FAFSA dependency status. See the limits below to understand what you may qualify for.
FIRST YEAR - $3,500
Independent students (as determined by the FAFSA) can borrow an additional $6,000 in the direct unsubsidized loan. An additional $2,000 direct unsubsidized loan is available to dependent students.
SECOND YEAR - $4,500
Independent students (as determined by the FAFSA) can borrow an additional $6,000 in the direct unsubsidized loan. An additional $2,000 direct unsubsidized loan is available to dependent students.
THIRD AND FOURTH YEARS - $5,500/year
Independent students (as determined by the FAFSA) can borrow an additional $7,000/year in the direct unsubsidized loan. An additional $2,000/year direct unsubsidized loan is available to dependent students.
Complete the following steps to have your William D. Ford Loan Funds applied to your account.
- Sign-in
Sign in with your FSAID from FAFSA at studentaid.gov and complete the Entrance Counseling Session (takes about 30 minutes) Master Promissory Note
Complete the Master Promissory Note (Subsidized/Unsubsidized)
You must complete both steps for your funds to be applied to your account.
Questions? Contact Hesston’s director of financial aid at 620-327-8220 or via email or call the Direct Loan Applicants Service Line, 800-557-7394.
William D. Ford Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan
The William D. Ford Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on need and the interest begins to accrue on this loan as soon as the funds are disbursed. A student can arrange to make interest only payments or allow the interest to accrue while in school, during the grace period and during any authorized deferment periods. As long as students are enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester, no payments are due. After graduation there is a six-month grace period.
Students must complete a promissory note and an entrance interview on the site before they can receive the William D. Ford Loan funds and an exit interview when they complete their time at Hesston College.
Hesston College +2 Loan
The Hesston College +2 Loan is awarded and administered by Hesston College to students pursuing four-year degrees at the college. An annual interest rate of 10% begins to accrue six (6) months after leaving Hesston College. A minimum monthly payment of $50 is due during the repayment period which begins six months after the student is no longer at least a half-time student.
William D. Ford Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The William D. Ford Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) lets parents of dependent students borrow money to cover any costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package, up to the full cost of attendance. PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 9.08% for loans distributed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. The rate is reevaluated every year in June. Parents of students at Hesston College can borrow the difference between the students cost of attendance and the financial aid they have been awarded.
PLUS Loan Process:
New borrowers must complete the following steps. Parents with a previous PLUS loan at Hesston College must complete step one.
Get Approved
Visit studentaid.gov, sign in with the parents’ FAFSA FSAID, click on Request Direct PLUS loan, choose Parent PLUS and proceed with the application process. Upon completion of the application process, studentloans.gov will inform you if you are approved or denied for a PLUS loan. If approved, proceed to step two.
Master Promissory Note
Complete the Master Promissory Note for the PLUS loan.
Alternative Education Loan
Alternative Education Loans help bridge the gap between the actual cost of an education and the limited amount the government allows students and their parents to borrow in its programs. Alternative loans may be borrowed in the student’s or the parent’s name, depending on the type of loan offered. In most cases the student will need a cosigner to meet the credit requirements. Alternative loans are offered by private lenders and there are no federal forms to complete. Some families turn to alternative education loans when the federal loans don’t provide enough money or when the family wants to borrow additional money in the student’s name. Apply for a loan at Elm Select.
Student Loan Repayment
If you have student loans, your loan servicer will reach out to you regarding your repayment options. You will also want to make sure your contact information is accurate.
How to Prepare for Successful Student Loan Repayment
- Log in to studentaid.gov with your FSA ID
- Confirm your student loan servicer
- Log in to your servicer account and update your contact information
- Reauthorize or select auto debit for monthly payments
- Review your payment due date and amount
Keep up-to-date by visiting studentaid.gov for the most current information.