Federal Student Loans
Federal Student Loan Programs
The following information is meant to give you an overview of programs available at the School of Mines.
In order to be considered for the Federal Student Loan Programs listed below (other than the Federal Consolidation Loan), students must file a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Find FAFSA application information here. You must be a fully admitted degree-seeking student at the School of Mines in order to have disbursed Federal Student Aid of any type. Unless otherwise noted, these programs are available to both graduate
and undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time.
From the following list, click on the "Read more" link at the end of each type of loan you wish to review for further information as well as links to relevant loan information on the federal government’s Federal Student Aid website. Before pursuing any federal loan, review the
information on our Loan Counseling (Entrance) webpage. Some loans require counseling beforehand, and for any loan commitment you need a clear
idea of how much you need and the specifics of repayment.
Federal Perkins
Student Loan – The Federal Perkins
Student Loan program is administered through the South Dakota School of Mines
and Technology.A desirable loan because
of its somewhat lower interest rate, the School of Mines determines the maximum
award generally available on a per-student basis in order to give as many
students as possible access to the program. Read more.
Federal Direct
Student Loan – With the Federal Direct Loan Program, the student borrows
loan funds directly from the federal government, on a subsidized or
unsubsidized basis. Read more.
Federal Direct Parent
PLUS Loan – This loan is available only to the parents (natural or
adoptive) of dependent students pursuing an undergraduate degree. Read more.
Federal Direct Grad
PLUS Loan – This loan is available to graduate students who have who have
exhausted certain other sources of funding. Read more.
Federal Consolidation
Loan – Options to consolidate loans to lower monthly payments, but be sure
you understand the financial ramifications. Read more.