Student Loans

Federal student loan policies may change over time as a result of Department of Education guidance or federal legislation. This is the most current information available and is subject to change based on final federal regulations.

In 2025, new federal legislation was passed, which will make changes to certain federal student aid programs starting July 1, 2026.

Revisions to the Federal Student Loans based on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by Congress, impacting certain Federal Student Aid programs starting for summer 2026. As Nunez is a header college, start 2026-2027 for the Summer semester.

Changes we know:

Loan Proration for All Borrowers

Students enrolled less than full-time will have their loans prorated in direct proportion to their enrollment percentage each semester.

Student Loan Repayment for new and current borrowers with new loans made on or after July 1, 2026

  • There will be only two repayment plans, a new standard repayment plan and the new income-based repayment plan (RAP). 
  • All loans must be paid under the same repayment plan.
  • If a borrower does not select a plan, they will be assigned to the new standard repayment plan. 
  • New Parent PLUS Loans are not eligible for RAP.

Current borrowers with no new loans made on or after July 1, 2026

  • These borrowers will be eligible to enroll in the current Standard, Graduated, Extended, or current Income Based (IBR) repayment plans, or may opt into the new (RAP).
  • These borrowers may switch between, enter, or remain on existing income-driven repayment plans until July 1, 2028.

Parent PLUS Loan Borrowers

  • All parents (combined) may borrow up to $20,000 per year. Per dependent student and the aggregate limit will be capped at $65,000 per dependent student.

Additional Resources

 

Federal Direct Subsidized

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the borrower is enrolled at least half-time, during the grace period and during a period of deferment. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. More information about the Federal Direct Subsidized loan program is available on the StudentAid.gov website.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized

The unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need. The federal government does not pay the interest while the borrower is in school. All interest is the borrower’s responsibility. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan). Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. More information about the Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan program is available on the StudentAid.gov website.

If you wish to apply for a Federal Direct Loan, you must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note on studentloans.gov

Nunez will receive this information electronically within 3-5 business days of completion.

Inceptia Repayment Options

You’re not alone when it comes to student loans. Nunez Community College has partnered with Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), to provide you with FREE assistance on your Federal student loan obligations to ensure successful, and comfortable, loan repayment.  Click Here to find out more.

Private Loans

Alternative Educational Loans, also known as Private Educational Loans, consist of any student loan that is not a federal student loan.  Alternative loans are available from banks and private loan companies and offer additional financial assistance to students who may not be eligible for federal aid.  Alternative loans should only be considered after applying for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Any students attending Nunez Community College who apply for private educational loans are required to complete a self-certification form. Prior to completing a private loan application, download, print, and complete the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form as instructed. You will also be provided with a copy of this form from your lender as part of their application process. Only one self-certification form is required per loan application. To complete this form you will need information about your “cost of attendance for the period of enrollment covered by the loan” and information about your “estimated financial assistance” for that same period. This information can be obtained from the Nunez Community College, Office of Financial Aid.