Federal Aid & Student Loans
Information on Financial Aid & Scholarships
[email protected] • 616-331-3234
The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships can help you maximize your investment by working with you to determine how to most effectively meet your unique needs.
Information on Student Accounts
[email protected] • 616-331-2209
Student accounts is here to assist you with all aspects of your student account and is responsible for all student accounts, billing, collections, and Perkins loans.
Start with the FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Start with Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
"Whether you’re a student, parent, or borrower, you’ll need to create your own account to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and manage your federal student aid." - studentaid.gov
Applying for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the foundation we use to determine your eligibility for federal, state and institutional programs. The (FAFSA) is an application that collects household and financial information for the student and the student's parents/family. You will need an FSA ID to submit the FAFSA.
How and when do I apply?
The priority deadline for FAFSA is March 1; filing after this date may reduce your financial aid eligibility.
Student Loans
Visit studentaid.gov to learn about Federal Student Loans.
- Fast Facts
- Types of Federal Student Loans
- Reasons for Taking Out Federal Student Loans
- Considerations When Taking Out Federal Student Loans
- Apply for a Federal Student Loan
- About the Federal Perkins Loan Program
- About Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program Loans
Federal Loan Breakdown
gvsu.edu/financialaid
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
The government will pay the loan interest during in-school enrollment periods and grace period for the subsidized loan(s). Qualifying for the subsidized loan is determined from the FAFSA. Only undergraduate students qualify for this loan.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
The borrower is responsible for paying all of the interest from the time the loan is disbursed for the unsubsidized loan(s). Paying the interest on this loan while in school will reduce the compounded interest charged over the life of the loan.
Federal Direct Loan Requirements for Student Borrowers
gvsu.edu/financialaid
Before federal student loans can pay toward a student account, you must complete all three of the following steps. Once completed, please allow 3-4 business days for Entrance Counseling and the MPN to be reflected on your myBanner account.
1. Accept your Federal Loan Offer
2. Complete Entrance Loan Counseling
3. Sign a Master Promissory Note
Federal Loan Limits
gvsu.edu/financialaid
The U.S. Department of Education sets borrowing limits, both annual and lifetime, for the Federal Direct Loan program.
Scholarships
Don't forget to apply to scholarships! Visit our regional scholarships page:
- When to Apply
- Searching for Scholarships
- Writing your Essays
- Merit Scholarships
- Regional Scholarships
- myScholarships through GVSU