天美传媒

Federal loan options

Federal direct subsidized/unsubsidized Stafford loans:

• Subsidized Stafford Loans are need-based and do not accrue interest during the student鈥檚 time in school. Only available to undergraduates.
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are non-need-based and do accrue interest during the student鈥檚 time in school. Available to undergraduates and graduate/professional students.

Federal Nursing Loans

Federal Nursing Loans are for students demonstrating significant financial need. These do not accrue interest during the student鈥檚 time in school.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Federal Direct PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduates, and/or graduate students.* These do accrue interest during the student鈥檚 time in school.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Details

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Details

*Graduate students must meet the Department of Education’s to borrow a Graduate PLUS Loan for the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond.听听

Federal student loans are available to students who are:

• US citizens or permanent residents
• Matriculated
• Enrolled at least half time (six credit hours per term) in a degree-seeking program

In order to receive federal loans for a course or courses, the course(s) must:

• Be part of a matriculated degree-seeking program
• Not be audited courses

Interest rates for 2026-2027 federal loans

Yearly federal loan borrowing limits

Aggregate or 鈥渓ifetime鈥� limits

Reducing or canceling loans

You can write a request to your financial aid counselor by email, fax, or postal mail. Requests must come directly from the student; parent requests will not be honored. You can subsequently request to restore such loans if need be, again with a written request, and you must do so before the end of the academic year or term in which you are enrolled.

Accepting federal loans

You must complete the requirements listed below to formally accept any federal loan you may have been offered and to allow the loan to disburse to your student billing account with the University. You only need to complete these requirements once during your time at 天美传媒, and you will need your personal FSA ID. We encourage you to save all your information electronically for your records.

1. Log in to your FAOnline account and click the 鈥楻equired Documents鈥� screen.
2. Any outstanding documents will be listed as ‘Not Received’.
3. Keep in mind that you may need to complete requirements for several different loan types. For example, an undergraduate student may have qualified for a federal direct loan and a federal Nursing loan. That student would need to complete a master promissory note and entrance counseling for each loan.
4. Parents can determine if they are missing any paperwork associated with the federal Parent PLUS loan by having their student check or by contacting the Financial Aid Office directly.
5. Sign your Electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN). Learn more below.
6. Complete loan entrance counseling. Learn more below.

Get handy instructions for loan requirements:

Direct Loans

Grad PLUS Loans

Parent PLUS Loans

University loans

University loan borrowers

The 天美传媒 has successfully completed the transfer of your student loan account from ACS to Heartland ECSI, a leading provider of student loan servicing and higher education services. You can create your EasyPath profile today to take advantage of convenient features such as account management, online payments, electronic statements, payment history, and online document access.

Create your profile in 3 easy steps!

Step 1: Go to .
Step 2: Register by creating a profile.
Step 3: Connect your account using your Heartland Key*.

*Please note: the Heartland Key is provided to you by Heartland ECSI. Until you have that Key, you will be unable to create your account.

Don鈥檛 forget to download the EasyPath mobile app by visiting the iPhone App Store or Android Marketplace.

University Loans include the following funds:

• University Broxholm Memorial Loan
• University Loeser Loan
• University McGuire Loan
• University O鈥機onnor Loan
• University Tiernan Loan

To determine if you鈥檝e been awarded a University loan, log in to your FAOnline account and click the 鈥榊our Awards鈥� screen. Not all students qualify for this loan program.

University loan requirements

You must complete the requirements listed below to allow your University loans to disburse onto your student account. You only need to complete these requirements once during your time at 天美传媒.

Please note: You cannot sign your eMPN or complete the entrance counseling until you receive an email notification from our servicer, Heartland ECSI, informing you of the web link to use in order to create your profile and providing you with a Heartland Key.

Please note: It is a federal violation to complete forms or requirements for a loan of which you are not the primary borrower.

Electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN)

All first-time borrowers of a University loan at the 天美传媒 must sign an eMPN. We will receive an electronic notice that the eMPN has been signed and is valid within two business days of you completing the requirement online.

University loan entrance counseling

All first-time borrowers at the 天美传媒 must complete loan entrance counseling before loan proceeds can be credited to their student accounts. This session will take about 25 to 30 minutes.

In the entrance counseling session, you will learn:

• Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower
• Information on repayment, interest rates, and other important details about borrowing
• Whom to contact with questions

After you complete the entrance counseling, our office will receive an electronic notice that the counseling has been completed and is valid within two business days of you completing the requirement online.

University loan exit counseling

All students who have borrowed a University loan and are no longer enrolled must complete a loan exit counseling session. You must complete exit counseling if you graduated, withdrew from the University, became inactive, or fell below half-time status. This session will take about 30 minutes.

In the exit counseling session, you will learn:

• Your repayment terms and conditions
• How to defer your loans
• Who your loan servicer is and how to contact them

Our office will receive an electronic notice that the exit counseling has been completed and is valid within two business days of you completing the requirement online through your Heartland ECSI account.

Heartland ECSI contact information

Payment Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 718, Wexford, PA 15090

Paperwork Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1278, Wexford, PA 15090

Customer Service:
Live Chat: heartland.ecsi.net Phone Support: 1 (888) 549.3274

Alternative loans are non-federal educational loans offered by banks and other lending institutions.听 Alternative loans are typically not subsidized, meaning interest will accrue while the borrower/student is enrolled.听 Interest rates and fees are generally higher than federal loans, and will be based on the borrower鈥檚 credit score.听 Credit-worthy co-signers may be required, depending on the borrower鈥檚 credit standing.听 Alternative loans are intended to supplement, not replace, federal loan eligibility. 天美传媒 encourages all borrowers to consider federal loan options first, before considering alternative loan options.听 Alternative loan applications must be submitted directly through the lender, not through the 天美传媒.

Alternative loan resources

The 天美传媒 is not able to recommend or endorse any particular alternative loan option. Alternative loan terms offered, including interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and other variables, will be based on the borrower鈥檚 application and credit score. Therefore, 天美传媒 cannot provide you with information about comparative pricing of private loans nor about the likelihood of your being approved with or without a cosigner.

To assist students in researching alternative loan options, 天美传媒 is utilizing ELMSelect to feature our preferred lenders.

Important Information for Students and Families

• You are not required to select a lender from this list. It is offered solely for informational purposes. You are free to choose any lender, and 天美传媒 will promptly process your loan certification regardless of your choice.
• It is recommended that you fully explore federal loan options first, as they generally provide more favorable terms, stronger borrower protections, and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans.
• 天美传媒 does not endorse or recommend any specific lender, and inclusion on this list should not be interpreted as a recommendation.
• 天美传媒 will not delay or refuse loan certification, nor will it otherwise disadvantage you based on the lender you select.
• Carefully compare your options, as interest rates, fees, and loan terms can vary significantly. You may find more competitive offers from lenders not included on this list.

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Consider Federal Loans First

Before considering private education loans, U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are encouraged to fully explore their federal student loan options. Federal loans often provide valuable benefits, including fixed interest rates set by Congress, no credit check for most programs, and flexible repayment plans based on income.

Additional protections may include loan forgiveness opportunities鈥攕uch as Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness鈥攁s well as deferment or forbearance options during periods of financial hardship. In certain cases, federal loans may also be discharged due to death or permanent disability.

To learn more about federal student loans, visit StudentAid.gov or contact the 天美传媒鈥檚 Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Preferred Lenders at a Glance

The lenders included on this Preferred Lender List were selected through a formal Request for Information (RFI) process. The RFI was distributed through targeted outreach to private lenders. The lenders below have been carefully selected through a review process involving a team of financial aid professionals.

Our selection process included the following criteria:

• Competitive Terms: Rates, fees, and repayment options must provide strong value to borrowers.
• Service Quality: Lenders must deliver responsive support, useful tools, and high customer satisfaction.
• Loan Variety: A broad range of loan products is required to meet diverse student needs.
• Track Record and Stability: Lenders must show financial strength and a consistent history of ethical practices.
• Regulatory Compliance: All lenders must meet federal and state requirements. No lender pays for placement or receives preferential treatment.

Importantly, our selection process is conducted independently, free from any conflicts of interest, and is reviewed periodically to ensure ongoing compliance and performance. Borrowers are not required to use a lender from this list and are encouraged to explore all available options to make the best financial decision for their individual circumstances.

How to Apply for Private Education Loans

1. Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.
2. Review your financial aid offer and billing statement to determine how much additional funding you may need.
3. Research and compare lenders, paying close attention to interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and borrower benefits.
4. Apply directly with your selected lender. Most applications are completed online.
5. Complete the Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form, which is required by federal law and provided by your lender.
6. Await credit approval, which may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks.
7. Review and sign your promissory note. Carefully read and understand all terms before signing.
8. 天美传媒 certification: Once the lender approves your loan, 天美传媒 will certify the approved loan amount up to your cost of attendance.
9. Loan disbursement: Funds are typically sent directly to the university and applied to your student account.

Important: The private loan process can take approximately 3鈥�6 weeks from application to disbursement. Applying early helps ensure your loan will be certified in time for your payment due date.

Important Disclosures and Reminders

• Credit-based approval: Approval, interest rates, and terms are based on your credit profile or that of your cosigner.
• Interest starts immediately: Interest typically begins accruing as soon as funds are disbursed.
• Fewer protections: Private loans generally do not offer income-driven repayment, loan forgiveness, or the same deferment and forbearance options as federal loans.
• Not typically dischargeable: Education loans from private lenders are not typically dischargeable in bankruptcy.
• Compare lenders: Rates, fees, and terms vary widely鈥攔eview multiple options before choosing.
• Borrow only what you need: These loans must be repaid with interest; borrowing less reduces total cost.
• Right to cancel: You have a three-day right to cancel after receiving the final loan disclosure.
• Read before signing: Review all loan documents carefully to understand your repayment obligations.

Alternative educational loans:

• Require credit approval
• Must be accounted for in the student鈥檚 financial aid package, even if the funding is sent directly to the student and does not require the school鈥檚 certification before it is approved
• Have variable interest rates that have no caps (interest rates are based on the LIBOR rate or PRIME rate)
• May have additional fees of up to 9.5 percent of the requested loan amount
• Cannot have a maximum loan amount that exceeds the cost of attendance minus the financial aid already awarded by the University
• Usually have the student as the primary borrower of the loan; a few lenders will allow other family members to borrow on behalf of the student
• Usually allow students to defer payments on the loan while they are in school at least half time (six credit hours)
• Usually allow students to capitalize the interest accrued on the loan once they graduate or leave school
• Usually allow a six-month grace period before students begin repaying

Things to consider before you apply:

If you choose to pursue an alternative loan, you should contact your financial aid counselor to explore your options first. If you are confident that you want to borrow an alternative loan, be sure to compare the costs associated with various loans before completing an application. Interest rates, fees, repayment periods, borrower benefits, customer service, and other features can vary significantly between loans.

While many educational loans are available with no fees and interest rates less than 10 percent, other programs exist with fees up to 9.5% and interest rates over 14 percent. These higher rates can result in you paying thousands of dollars in additional costs. Be aware that some loan programs require you to make interest payments while in school. We will not take in-school loan payments into account in our aid package review, and we won鈥檛 consider it in appeals. Take the time to compare.

Questions to ask a potential lender

Before completing an application, get the answers to these questions:

• How much may I borrow?
• What are the fees associated with the loan?
• What is the interest rate and how often will it change (e.g., quarterly)?
• Do I need to be at least 18 years old to receive the loan?
• Do I need a co-signer? Can my co-signer be released from the loan after I enter repayment?
• Can I receive a lower interest rate when I apply with a co-signer?
• Can I defer payments while in school?
• What are the terms of repayment?
• Are there any penalties for paying the loan off early?

Budget well

We encourage all students and parents to borrow as little as possible. In the event that the student and/or parents wish to seek financing beyond the student鈥檚 financial aid package, we recommend that the family consider paying for remaining expenses through student work, current income, and/or assets, before pursuing additional loans. Limiting the amount of additional borrowing will help reduce the total cost of the education.

Visit our financial literacy page for more information on budgeting well and other ways to save money as a 天美传媒 student.

State educational loans

Some states offer educational loans to their residents, including for residents attending college/university outside of that state. States that offer educational loans to their residents include Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont.

Federal loan repayment plans

It鈥檚 important to find the right repayment plan for you in order to manage your money and make timely payments on your student loans after graduation. The government offers a variety of repayment plans to cater to different individuals鈥� needs. A comprehensive list of Federal Direct Loan payment plans can found on the Federal Student Aid website:

Federal Nursing Loan repayment

• Repayment of a Federal Nursing Loan begins when the nine-month grace period ends.
• At the time a borrower drops below half-time enrollment or leaves the 天美传媒, the student must complete an online exit interview.
• During the interview, pertinent information and a repayment schedule are provided to the borrower.
• The repayment period may not exceed ten years.
• If you are currently in repayment, your payment will be due the 10th of every month.
• To learn more about due dates as well as how to read the billing statement, visit Heartland ECSI鈥檚 website.
• If you are currently enrolled in school, are in your grace period, or are in deferment/forbearance, no payment is due at this time.
• You will begin to receive billing statements prior to your first payment due date.

Loan Repayment Resources and Calculators

There are a variety of resources available to help monitor your loan balance and plan your loan repayments both before and after you graduate. A few of these resources are listed below:

University loan repayment

There are a variety of resources available to help plan your loan repayments both before and after you graduate. A few of these resources are listed below:

• Repayment of a University Loan begins when the six-month grace period ends
• At the time a borrower drops below half-time enrollment or leaves the 天美传媒, the student must complete an online exit interview
• During the interview, pertinent information and a repayment schedule are provided to the borrower
• The repayment period may not exceed five years
• If you are currently in repayment, your payment will be due the 10th of every month
• To learn more about due dates as well as how to read the billing statement, visit Heartland ECSI鈥檚 website
• If you are currently enrolled in school, are in your grace period, or are in deferment/forbearance, no payment is due at this time
• You will begin to receive billing statements prior to your first payment due date