To apply for federal loans, student borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and the student must be certified as eligible by the College.
For more information on the loan application process click the links below:
Entrance Counseling
Before applying for Stafford and PLUS Loans, you must first complete your Federal Entrance Counseling.
- Stafford and PLUS Loan funds will not disburse without completion of your entrance counseling.
- If you have any questions as you complete the counseling requirements you may email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@gracechristian.edu, or call 616-538-2330.
Exit Counseling
To complete your Exit Counseling requirements, please visit studentloans.gov.
Also, the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) provides students with 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. Just click “financial aid review” and log in.
If you have any questions as you complete the counseling requirements you may email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@gracechristian.edu, or call 616-538-2330.
Parent Plus Loans
Apply for a Direct Parent PLUS Loans
Available to parents with a good credit history to pay the education expenses for a child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and the student must be certified as eligible by the Financial Aid Office.
- Parent Plus Loan Application
To complete the Parent PLUS Loan application, the parent must go to studentloans.gov and login using their FAFSA pin number. The PLUS application performs a credit check, and if the application is approved, the parent would contact the Financial Aid Office to request a loan, up to the amount allowed, based on the student’s cost of attendance. - Promissory Note
To complete a PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN), the parent must go to studentloans.gov and login using their FAFSA pin number. After the MPN is completed, the schools’ Financial Aid Office will be notified.
Stafford Loans
Apply for Direct Stafford Loans
- Students applying for Stafford loans must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
- The MPN is considered “the application” for the Stafford Loans. When the MPN is completed, the school is notified and the Financial Aid Office will certify up to the maximum loan amount allowed per student.
| Direct Federal Stafford Loans | |
| Dependent Students | Subsidized + Unsubsidized =Total |
| 1st year undergrad | $3,500 + $2,000 = $5,500 |
| 2nd year undergrad | $4,500 + $2,000 = $6,500 |
| 3rd year (up to graduate) | $5,500 + $2,000 = $7,500 |
| Independent Students | Subsidized + Unsubsidized =Total |
| 1st year undergrad | $3,500 + $6,000 = $9,500 |
| 2nd year undergrad | $4,500 + $6,000 = $10,500 |
| 3rd year (up to graduate) | $5,500 + $7,000 = $12,500 |
Private Loans
In some instances, a student may still need additional loans to cover the remainder of their school bill. Private loans are available to help students meet costs that are not covered by federal, state, and institutional aid.
- Private loans are typically for students who still have an amount owed after applying for Stafford and PLUS loans.
- Private loans usually require a co-signer, but in some cases (if the student has established credit) the student may be able to apply for a loan without a co-signer.
Apply for a private loan at ELMSelect.
