Financial Aid

Educational loans come from a variety of sources. The federal government, for example, sponsors several loan programs that offer below-market interest rates and other beneficial features. Other loan options, such as private bank loans, provide valuable help to students who may not qualify for federal loans. Even our own Dean of Students Office offers short-term emergency loans to current students. Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office.

Our Federal School Code: 003652

Loan Options

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program

Effective Summer 2010 the University of Houston will be utilizing the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.  This program allows eligible students to borrow loans from Federal Government, which provides low interest rates and beneficial repayment options.  Direct loan awards include Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans.  Please read our Direct Loan Frequently Asked Questions for more information.  

All students planning to receive a direct loan must be enrolled half-time and will need to complete a Master Promissory Note and complete Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov.  To complete these requirements, students will need a Department of Education PIN (the same PIN used for the FAFSA) to e-sign their electronic MPN.  They will also need their social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, and two personal references (full name, address, and telephone numbers) to complete their MPN. The University of Houston will electronically verify with the Department of Education that these steps have been completed before funds are released.  To make sure you have completed all necessary requirements, please read the DL Student Loan Checklist.

Be-On Time Loan (BOT)

The purpose of the Texas B-On-Time Loan program is to provide eligible Texas students no-interest loans to attend colleges and universities in Texas. If the student meets specified goals, the entire loan amount can be forgiven upon graduation. Your institution's financial aid office will determine if you are eligible. If this loan is offered to you, the financial aid office will instruct you to complete an application and promissory note online.

College Access Loan (CAL)

The College Access Loan (CAL) Program provides an alternative type of educational loans to Texas students. Students do not have to demonstrate financial need to receive these loans, which may be used to cover all or part of a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  Click on the above link for eligibility requirements and more information.

Perkins Loans

This campus-based loan program is for students with exceptional financial need. The interest rate is only 5 percent, and no interest accrues while you're in school.

Alternative Loans

If you don't qualify for a federally funded loan like the Stafford or Perkins, you may be able to finance your education with a private loan.