Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

Loans Overview

Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide low interest rate options. There are also parent loan and private loan options available for those who qualify. We encourage students to apply for all federal loan options first since these offer the lowest interest rate and best benefits to students. 

Types of Loans 

Federal Direct Loans

Direct Student Loans are federal loans that offer low interest rate loans to both Undergraduate and Graduate students. These are generally the best loan options available to students.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Direct PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for college expenses.

Short-Term Loans

The Short-Term Loan Program provides short-term financial assistance of up to $500 to Chico State students for expenses related to their University attendance. Short-term loans must be repaid within 90 days.

Private Alternative Educational Loans

Private Alternative Loan options may be available to students or parents to help fund the remaining cost of attending college. We encourage students to first apply for their Federal Direct Loans first, since these offer the lowest interest rate and best benefits to students.