Student Loans
Responsible Borrowing
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College encourages responsible borrowing. Not sure if a student loan is right for you? Not sure how much to borrow? Don’t understand the process for paying back student loans? Need answers? Check out this video produced by the Department of Education.
The Department of Education has provided a booklet about borrowing and managing your Federal Student Loans.
Download “Be a Responsible Borrower: Plan Ahead and Graduate with Less Debt“
Steps to Accept or Decline a Student Loan
- In order to be eligible for a Federal Student Loan, please submit the FAFSA. Once we receive your completed FAFSA, if you are eligible for a student loan, it will be automatically offered on your Web Services account.
- Log in to MyGulfCoast, go to Web Services and the Financial Aid Dashboard to accept or decline your loan.
- If you need to accept your loan:
- Enter the amount of the loan that you will need for the entire year (fall and spring semesters). If you plan to attend the summer semester and need loans for that semester, contact your campus financial aid office.
- You must also complete the following requirements to receive your loan:
- Please note: For the 2025-26 year, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours and meet MGCCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy in order to be eligible for a Student Loan.
Federal Student Loans
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program is the largest federal student loan program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. There are four types of Direct Loans available:
Direct Subsidized Loans
This loan is based on financial need. The federal government “subsidizes” (or pays) the interest on these loans while you are in school at least half-time, for the six months after you leave school (also known as your grace period), and during a deferment (a postponement of loan payments). Award amounts vary based on grade level in school, dependency status, and other financial assistance received.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
This loan is not based on financial need, and interest is charged on the loan from the time it is disbursed until it is repaid in full. Students have the option of paying the interest during deferment periods and during the grace period, or they may capitalize the interest. Capitalizing interest means that it will be added to the principal amount of the loan, and it will increase the amount of loan to be repaid. Award amounts vary based on grade level, dependency status, and other financial assistance received.
Direct PLUS Loans
This is a loan for parents of dependent students. The maximum loan amount is the difference between the student’s cost of attendance and other aid the student receives. PLUS loans are the financial responsibility of the parent, not the student. Interest begins to accrue on the day of the first disbursement and repayment begins within 60 days after the last disbursement of the loan.
Federal Direct Loan Limits
Dependent Students
| Grade Level | Annual Loan Limit | Lifetime Loan Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Freshmen (23 credits or less) | $3,500 subsidized/unsubsidized $2,000 additional unsubsidized $5,500 total | $31,000 $23,000 (Maximum subsidized) |
| Sophomore (24 credits or more) | $4,500 subsidized/unsubsidized $2,000 additional unsubsidized $6,500 total | $31,000 $23,000 (Maximum subsidized) |
Independent Students
| Grade Level | Annual Loan Limit | Lifetime Loan Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Freshmen (23 credits or less) | $3,500 subsidized/unsubsidized $6,000 additional unsubsidized $9,500 total | $57,500 $23,000 (Maximum subsidized) |
| Sophomore (24 credits or more) | $4,500 subsidized/unsubsidized $6,000 additional unsubsidized $10,500 total | $57,500 $23,000 (Maximum subsidized) |
Interest Rates
| Interest Rates | July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Unsubsidzed Loans | 6.53% | 6.39% |
| Direct Subsidized Loans | 6.53% | 6.39% |
| PLUS Loans | 9.08% | 8.94% |
Exit Counseling
The U.S. Department of Education regulations require that all loan recipients complete an exit interview when graduating or leaving MGCCC. You can access the exit counseling at StudentAid.gov
NSLDS for Students
Student Loan Information Published by U.S. Department of Education
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is required to provide information published by the U.S. Department of Education to students at any time that information regarding loan availability is provided. The publication includes information about rights and responsibilities of students and schools under Title IV, HEA loan programs. National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) HEOA Section 489 amended HEA Section 485B(d)(4)
If Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College enters into an agreement with a potential student, student, or parent of a student regarding a Title IV, HEA loan are required to inform the student or parent that the loan will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.
The cohort default rate (CDR) is the percentage of a college’s students who begin repaying their federal student loans within a fiscal year and subsequently default on those loans within a specified time period. The U.S. Department of Education calculates the CDR annually. At Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the current CDR is 0%, which is the same as the national average. Additionally, 23% of MGCCC students utilize federal student loans.
Visit StudentAid.gov for more information on types of loans available and other student loan information published by the U.S. Department of Education.
Repayment Options
Find out more information about repayment options on StudentAid.gov
MGCCC partners with Student Connections to help former students with their student loan repayment plans. It is a free service to you!
