Contact Cascadia
Maps and Directions
General Information
(425) 352-8000
A student loan lets you borrow money to attend college. You repay the loan after you graduate, or if you withdraw from college or change to less than half time status.
Casscadia offers these types of loans:
With a subsidized Stafford loan, the government makes the interest payments on your loan at certain times, such as while you are in school or in deferment.
To qualify for a subsidized Stafford loan, you must demonstrate financial need to the U.S. Department of Education by filling out a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). The department uses your FAFSA application to determine your family’s expected contribution to your education. To determine your eligibility for a loan, Cascadia considers your expected contribution, federal loan limits, and the cost of attending Cascadia.
To apply, see How to Apply for Aid.
With an unsubsidized Stafford loan, you are responsible for interest payments, even while you are in college. You can either make interest payments or postpone them. If you postpone interest payments, the lender will add the accrued interest to your principal balance. This process is called capitalization. Capitalization increases the total amount you will repay. You will save money by making your interest payments while you are in college.
You do not need to demonstrate financial need to qualify for an unsubsidized Stafford loan, but the cost of your education must exceed any financial aid you are awarded.
Parent Plus loans are loans for parents of a dependent student to help with the cost of the student’s education.
The U.S. Department of Education determines a student’s status as a dependent by evaluating the student’s free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). The maximum loan amount each year is the cost of attending Cascadia minus any other aid that the student receives.
If you are receiving a long-term student loan, a grant, or a scholarship, but you need assistance before your aid check is available, you may be eligible for a short-term loan. For details, contact the financial aid office.