Federal Student Loans and Interest Rates During National Emergency
In a press release on March 13, 2020, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced that all borrowers with qualifying loans would automatically have their interest rate set to 0% for at least 60 days from March 13, 2020, and added that they would be able to halt payments on their loans for at least two months by requesting an administrative forbearance through their loan servicer. Borrowers who choose to forgo asking for an administrative forbearance will not see a reduction in monthly payments. Rather, the full payment will be applied toward the principal balance of the loan. Income based repayments will continue to be available for those who need them.
Federal Student Aid is actively monitoring the COVID 19 situation and providing updates at https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Understanding Repayment
When it comes to repaying your federal student loan, there is much to consider. Understanding the details of repayment can save you time and money. Use the Federal Student Aid website to find out when repayment starts, how to make your payment, repayment plan options, what to do if you have trouble making payments and more.
NSLDS Loan History
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan program and other Department of Education programs. NSLDS student access provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants so that recipients of Title IV aid can access and inquire about their Title IV loans and/or grant data.
Direct Consolidation Loan Information
1-800-557-7394/TTy users can call 1-800-557-7395
Financial Literacy/Default Prevention
Student loans consist of money you borrow which must be repaid in order to avoid default. Learn more about Understanding Delinquency and Default.
It’s important to understand that a loan is a legal obligation that you will be responsible for repaying with interest. You may not have to begin repaying your federal student loans right away, but you don’t have to wait to understand your responsibilities as a borrower.
When making the decision to borrow, make sure you fully understand the implications of borrowing student loans, and borrow only the amount necessary to cover your educational expenses. Bure sure to read the information about Federal Student Loans.
If you decided to borrow federal student loans follow these tips:
- Know what you owe: NSLDS Login
- Sign up online with your loan servicer(s)
- Choose the right repayment plan for you
- Keep in touch with OneStop and your student loan servicer
- Contact FIU's Default Prevention team at defmgmt@fiu.edu
Exit Counseling
Exit counseling is required when you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. Exit counseling provides important information you need to prepare to repay your federal student loan(s). You will need to provide the name, address, email address, and telephone number for your closest living relative; two references who live in the U.S.; and current or expected employer (if known).
Log in to Studentaid.gov using your FSA ID
- Select "Complete Counseling" on the left-hand navigation bar
- Select "Exit Counseling" under "Choose Counseling Type"
If you log in, you will be able to:
- See your federal student loan information available in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
- Notify schools of counseling completion
- View proof of counseling completion
Federal Perkins Loan Recipients
If you have received a loan during your enrollment at the university, you will be required to complete an "Exit Interview" prior to leaving the university or graduating, whichever comes first. Perkins Loan recipients must sign the appropriate exit interview materials available only at the FIU Student Financials office.
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If the total amount of your financial aid award for a semester (excluding FWS & Alternative/Private Loans) exceeds the cost of tuition and fees, you may be eligible for a Book Advance to purchase books and supplies at the beginning of the semester.
Federal loans are available to students and/or their parents at low interest rates with the option to defer repayment until after graduation or after the student drops below half-time.
FIU will leverage a combination of federal, state and FIU grants or scholarships to guarantee 100% tuition and fees to Florida residents with a 0 EFC.