Student Loans
Attending college is an investment in yourself. A college degree will open the door for more and better job opportunites. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a person with a college education can earn upwards of $1 million more over a lifetime than someone without a degree. To help aid you in funding your education UMHB participates in a variety of educational loan programs, with funding provided by federal, state, and private lenders.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education. These loans require a student to be enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours). These types of loans are limited as shown in the tables below.
Dependent* Student Loan Amounts / Classification
Classification |
Earned Hours Required |
Annual Dependent* Loan Amount |
Freshman |
0-29 hrs. |
$5,500/yr. ($3,500 may be Subsidized) |
Sophomore |
30-59 hrs. |
$6,500/yr. ($4,500 may be Subsidized) |
Junior - Senior |
60+ hrs. |
$7,500/yr. ($5,500 may be Subsidized) |
Independent* Student Loan Amounts / Classification
Classification |
Earned Hours Required |
Annual Independent* Loan Amount |
Freshman |
0-29 hrs. |
$9,500/yr. ($3,500 may be Subsidized) |
Sophomore |
30-59 hrs. |
$10,500/yr. ($4,500 may be Subsidized) |
Junior - Senior |
60+ hrs. |
$12,500/yr. ($5,500 may be Subsidized) |
Aggregate/Total Loan Limits
Dependent* |
Independent* |
$31,000 ($23,000 may be Subsidized) |
$57,500 ($23,000 may be Subsidized) |
*dependency is determined by the FAFSA.
There are two types of Direct Loans for Students, Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Direct Subsidized Loans are available for students with demonstrated financial need as determined by federal regulations. No interest is charged while the student is enrolled at least half-time, during the student's grace period and during periods of deferment. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need and interest is charged during all periods.
To be eligible for Direct Loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). First-time borrowers at UMHB will be required to complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) prior to the loan funding. In subsequent years, students who request a loan will be awarded a loan through the Serial Loan process. Students will be required to confirm that they want to continue to receive a Direct Loan under the MPN and will have to complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement.
Direct Student loan borrowers are required to complete Student Loan Exit Counseling upon graduation or when dropping below half-time hours or when enrollment ceases.
With Direct Loans, you
- Borrow directly from the federal government and have a single contact-the Direct Loan Servicing Center—for everything related to the repayment of your loans, even if you receive Direct Loans at different schools.
- Have online access to your Direct Loan account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Direct Loans on the Web at: studentaid.gov.
- Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change.
For more information about direct loan, eligibility contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@umhb.edu.
Repayment Plans Forgiveness, Cancellation, or DischargeNational Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations (HEOA 489 amended HEA Sec.485B) a student’s Title IV loan information is submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Authorized agencies, lenders, guarantors, servicers and institutions have access to this information.
Contact Information
Location: Sanderford Administrative Complex
Address: 900 College Street, Box 8080 • Belton, TX 76513
finaid@umhb.edu • Phone: (254) 295-4517 • Fax: (866) 397-3492
Page last updated October 25, 2023