Self-Help: Student Loans
Amherst College financial aid packages do not include student loans to meet demonstrated financial need. Students may still decide to borrow to purchase a computer, replace the student income contribution, replace work in the financial aid package, or as a family financing option. All student loan programs provide for long-term repayment at moderate interest rates. The repayment period may be as long as ten years and a monthly minimum payment is required. Repayment of principal is not required while a student is enrolled at Amherst or another recognized post secondary institution. Repayment may be deferred for graduate school attendance, for service in the military, Peace Corps, Action programs such as Vista, and other social service agencies. Deferments may also be approved for temporary total disability, or unemployment. The loan will be canceled in the event of death or total permanent disability. Other details are outlined below.
Student Loan Request Form 2022-23
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
There are both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is in college. The subsidized loan program is need-based; the amount that may be borrowed is limited to the difference between the student expense budget and all other financial aid received. Unsubsidized loans are not need-based and may be borrowed for as much as the difference between the statutory loan limits (cited below) and the amount of subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan. All aid resources (including parent loans) cannot exceed the student expense budget. Interest on unsubsidized loans is charged from the disbursement of the loan funds. Federal Direct Stafford Loans are administered by Amherst College.
A student may borrow a Federal Direct Stafford Loan (either subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination) of as much as $3,500 as a first-year student, $4,500 as a sophomore, and $5,500 a year as a junior or senior. Dependent students may borrow an additional unsubsidized loan of as much as $2,000 a year. The cumulative loan maximum for dependent students is $31,000, of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
Independent students may borrow additional unsubsidized loans of as much as $6,000 as a first-year student or sophomore, and as much as $7,000 as a junior or senior. The cumulative maximum for independent students is $57,500, of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
There is a federal origination fee of 1.057 percent for loans disbursed during the 2022-23 academic year. This federal origination fee is subtracted from the loan amount before the remaining proceeds are credited to the student account.
The interest rate for the 2022-23 academic year on the Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans is 4.99 percent. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are in college.
The interest rate for the 2022-23 academic year on the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans is 4.99 percent. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest from the date of disbursement. Interest may be either paid as it accrues or may be deferred and capitalized (i.e., added to the loan principal) while you are in school and for a six-month “grace” period after graduation or termination of studies.
Amherst College Loans
The College provides loans from its own funds for a limited number of international students and those who do not qualify for federal loan programs. The interest rate is 5 percent for subsidized Amherst College Loans. The grace period, deferment, and cancellation provisions of the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan program apply to Amherst College Loans.
Computer Loans
Students who receive need-based scholarship from Amherst College are eligible for an Amherst College loan to pay for the cost of a computer.
The loan is a subsidized loan with a fixed interest rate of 5 percent. Repayment begins 6 months after a student graduates or separates from the College, and no interest is paid or accumulated while the student is enrolled and during the grace period. There is no pre-payment penalty should the loan be repaid prior to the end of the grace period.
Computer loans can be for up to the amount of $3,000 and can be used towards the purchase of:
- Desktop or laptop computer
- Extended Warranty (Required)
- Printer
- Cooling Pad (If you purchase a laptop)
- Basic software purchased through the College
In order to receive a computer loan, students must submit a loan request in writing to the Office of Financial Aid. In addition to the loan request, we need one of two documents submitted to our office:
- A cost estimate from the vendor’s website from which the computer will be purchased. The estimate must include: the computer’s configuration, the extended warranty, sales tax and shipping costs. If a printer will also be purchased, the vendor’s estimate for the printer and/or cooling pad for a laptop must also be included as well.
or - A final invoice if a computer and extended warranty (printer and cooling pad if you wish) has been purchased upfront without initial loan funds.
You will receive an e-mail from webmaster@ecsi.net with a link to e-sign the loan documents.
Students who request a cash advance for the computer purchase must provide a final invoice to the Office of Financial Aid to complete the loan transaction. If a computer purchased is less than the cost of the amount of the initial loan, the extra loan funds must be returned to the College immediately.
Students should check the Amherst College IT Website for recommended technical specifications.
Several computer vendors offer educational discounts, https://www.amherst.edu/offices/it/services/help/help-desk/new_students/discounted.
Please note a student loan cannot be used to purchase an iPad or Tablet. You may receive one computer loan during your time at Amherst College.
Short-Term Loans
Short-term loans may be made to any Amherst student for emergency purposes and in case of financial need not covered in the usual procedures for long-term loans. The Morris Morgenstern Student Loan fund and the New England Society loan fund provide a limited number of interest-free short-term loans. Other, interest-bearing short-term loans are available through the College's Student Loan fund.