Payment plans for higher education represent one of the most consequential budgetary decisions that students and their families will face.
Anyone already enrolled or planning to enroll at the University of North Texas (UNT) would do well to familiarize themselves with their options for UNT student loans.
Federal and private loans, as well as methods for reducing, paying off, and even getting out of debt altogether, are all addressed in this UNT-specific website.
What Are UNT Student Loans?
When referring to the student loans that UNT students have taken out, whether from the federal government or private lenders, the phrase “UNT student loans” is used.
Situated in Denton, UNT is one of the largest public institutions in Texas.
With rising tuition and living costs, many UNT students must rely on student loans to meet their educational obligations.
The typical expenses covered by these loans are:
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Tuition and fees
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Reference materials
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Room and board
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Shifting positions
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Additional individual expenses
Whether you’re a graduate, undergraduate, or professional student at UNT, being aware of your options for student loans may help you make prudent financial decisions and avoid taking on excessive debt.
Types of UNT Student Loans
Two primary loan options are available to UNT students:
Government-Insured Student Loans
Federal student loans are offered by the United States Department of Education and provide the highest borrower protections, lowest interest rates, and most flexible repayment plans.
Students are strongly encouraged by UNT to explore all available federal loan options before considering private loans.
The following federal loan programs are available via UNT:
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Undergraduates in financial need may apply for Direct Subsidized Loans.
As long as you maintain a half-time enrollment status, the government will cover the interest. -
Unsubsidized Federal Student Aid
It is accessible to undergraduates and graduate students alike.
There is an accumulation of interest while you are a student. -
Loans Made Easy by PLUS
Addressed to the parents of undergraduate and graduate students.
We need to verify your credit. -
Loans from the Perkins Fed Program
Although the Perkins loan program is no longer in operation, certain UNT students may still be required to make payments on loans that were taken out in the past.
Financial Aid for Individual Students
The private student loan market includes traditional financial institutions as well as online lenders.
These loans may be necessary if federal aid does not fully cover your educational expenses.
Students at UNT should first explore public loan options before looking at private ones.
Compared to government loans, private loans provide less protections for borrowers, sometimes need a co-signer, and may have interest rates that fluctuate.
Some well-known private lenders that work with UNT students are:
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Sallie Mae
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Amass Knowledge on Student Loans
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College Street
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SoFi was
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An Independent Financial Institution
Methods for Approval of UNT Student Loans
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first
Submitting an FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal student aid programs like loans, grants, and work-study.
This is the UNT school code: 003594.
Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible if you want to be considered for priority aid.
Second, review the UNT financial aid package
After you file the FAFSA, UNT will provide an offer of financial aid.
You may find details on government loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs there.
You may review and accept loan offers on the myUNT site.
Third, make sure all of the loan terms are met
Before your loan may be released, you must:
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You need to put your signature on an MPN (Master Promissory Note).
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New borrowers get comprehensive onboarding coaching
At studentaid.gov, you may finish both steps.
Financial Aid at UNT: Amounts and Restrictions
How much money you may borrow from the federal government depends on your dependant status and the school year:
Limits on Dependent Students and Independent Students’ Student Status
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Starting salary: $5,500–$9,500
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New student: $5,000 ($6,000)
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$7,500 for each age group: $12,500
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$20,000 Graduate not specified
Undergraduates may borrow up to $57,500 if they are not reliant on anybody else, and up to $31,000 if they are.
Loans from UNT Disbursed
Loan funds typically arrive at UNT in two installments:
First, at the start of the fall semester, and second, at the start of the spring semester.
What does the money go toward?
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Tuition and fees
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Accommodation and food plans (for on-campus residents)
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Any money that is left over to cover further educational expenses is reimbursed to you.
Repayment Options for UNT Loans
Repayment of your federal loans begins six months after you complete your degree program, withdraw from school, or reduce your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Preparations for Paying Back Federal Loans:
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Repayment Schedule: Ten years of fixed payments
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Under a progressive repayment plan: Payments start out modest and increase every two years
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Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Programs: PAYE, REPAYE, and IBR — how much you pay back depends on how many people in your household and how much money they make
Assistance with UNT Loans and Discharge Planning
Students who are graduating or transferring from UNT have access to exit counseling services.
Learn more about interest rates, repayment, and how to avoid default with this helpful information.
Personal help is also available via the UNT Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Student Loans from UNT Cancelation and Forgiveness
For certain UNT students, there are debt forgiveness programs like:
1. Abolition of Public Service Loan Defaults
Working for a qualifying government or nonprofit organization for 10 years and making 120 qualifying payments may allow you to have the remaining balance on your federal loans canceled.
2. Paying Off Student Loans for Teachers
Teachers in low-income schools may be able to get up to $17,500 in debt forgiveness after working for five years.
3. Pardoning According to IDR
You may have your loan forgiven if you’re on an income-driven plan after 20–25 years of payments.
Problems with UNT Loans and Default
In the event that you fail to repay your UNT student loans:
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We will evaluate the delinquency after 30 days.
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After 270 days of not paying, your loan is considered to be in default.
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When you fail to repay a debt, it may damage your credit and lead to income garnishment.
Stay out of default by:
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Get in touch with the company handling your loan
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Participating in an income-based scheme
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Asking for more time or a waiver if needed
How to Reduce Your Need for UNT Scholarships and Loans
The University of North Texas offers a plethora of funding opportunities to students at all academic levels.
Use the Eagle Scholarship Portal to submit your application.
Conducting Research
Some schools and the federal government provide work-study programs to students who need extra money so that they may work part-time.
Constructing a Financial Plan
A student’s borrowing could go down if they make a budget.
Stay frugal, consider room sharing, and monitor your spending.
Money Transfers
If you are transferring to UNT from another institution, such as a community college, you may be able to complete your degree more quickly and at a lower cost if you make the most of your transfer credits.
Student Loan Resources at UNT
Important resources to help UNT students manage their debt include:
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Visit the UNT Financial Aid Office online at: https://financialaid.unt.edu
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To apply for federal student aid, visit: https://studentaid.gov/FAFSA
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The FSA dashboard is a good place to find out who is servicing your loans
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You will get information about your financial aid from UNT via your official student email, Eagle-Connect
Final Thoughts
You need to know your options for UNT student loans if you want to keep college costs in check and avoid going into debt.
First things first: fill out your FAFSA, research your options for federal student aid, submit scholarship applications, and take out loans only when absolutely needed.
If you need help applying for or receiving financial aid at UNT, the Financial Assistance Office is a great place to start.
If you are self-motivated, well-informed, and disciplined, you can make smart borrowing decisions that will aid your academic performance and lead to eventual financial independence.