Federal Perkins Loan-Student Financial Aid - Carnegie Mellon University

Federal Perkins Loan

Overview

  • A low-interest (5%) federal loan administered by Carnegie Mellon, available to undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need.
  • Repaid in installments over a 10-year period beginning nine months after the student graduates or leaves school for other reasons
  • Accrues no interest during the time the student is enrolled at least half-time (18 units per semester).
  • Has an interest rate of 5% per year that is assessed beginning with the repayment period.
  • Requires entrance counseling for first-time borrowers.
  • Requires exit counseling if a student graduates, leaves, or drops below half-time at Carnegie Mellon.

How to Apply

Students receive consideration for a Federal Perkins Loan if they complete a FAFSA and a CSS PROFILE. There is no separate application for this loan. If a student is offered a Federal Perkins Loan, Student Financial Aid will notify the student to sign a Perkins Master Promissory Note. If a promissory note is not signed, the Perkins Loan will be canceled. Student Financial Aid will automatically credit the loan to the student's account (one-half in the fall, one-half in the spring).