Student Loans

An educational loan is a legally binding contract that must be repaid with interest, even if you do not graduate, find a job, or if you are not satisfied with the education you received. 

Good things to know about loans 

  • You are not obligated to accept any loans offered to you if you do not need them. 
  • Never borrow more than what you need when considering loans. 
  • Pre-Loan entrance and exit loan counseling is required on all loans 

College Access Loan (CAL)  

NoteTo delay the disbursement of funds towards semester expenses, start the loan process 30 days prior to the payment deadline. 

The College Access Loan Program (CAL) provides alternative education loans to Texas students unable to meet the Cost of Attendance.  

When certifying a CAL, Institutions are confirming that the amount of the requested loan is $100.00 or higher and not to exceed the difference in the student’s COA and other forms of financial assistance for which the student is eligible (SUB/UNSUB).  

View updated information on interest rates.   

Please use general loan term dates when filling out an application. However, your loan will be processed using specific enrollment dates for your program. 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • You must be a Texas resident. 
  • You must be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student in a course of study leading to an associate, bachelor, graduate, or higher degree or be enrolled in an approved Alternative Educator Certification Program. 
  • You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. 
  • You must receive a favorable credit evaluation or provide a cosigner who has good credit standing and meets other requirements 
  • You must receive additional counseling and exhaust all other federal aid before applying for this loan. 
  • You must have FAFSA application on file. 
  • You must apply for the loan at www.hhloans.com. 

Visit hhloans.com for a full list of details and information about the CAL Loan. 

Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan 

The FORWARD Loan Program is a low-interest loan designed for students enrolled in programs aligned with high-value credentials and high-demand occupations. This program is limited to students enrolled in specific programs in Energy, Nursing/Patient Care, Teaching, Technology, and Transportation/Logistics.  

Download: FORWARD Loan List of Eligible Programs of Study (PDF) 

For more information about this loan, schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor.  

Alternative Loans 

Note: To prevent delay of payment of funds towards semester expenses, start the loan process application 30 days prior to the payment deadline. 

Alternative (private) loans are administered and processed by private lending institutions to be used for educational costs after exhausting potentially more favorable federal and state financial aid options first.  

  • If your GPA is under 2.0, you must call the Financial Aid Office 
  • If your completion rate is less than 67%, you must call the Financial Aid Office 
  • Different lending institutions will also have their own lending requirements  

Exhaust Federal Student Aid Options First  

Due to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) of 2009, lenders must provide multiple disclosures to the borrower and collect a Self-Certification Form from them. Please remember that due to these new requirements, your alternative loan disbursement may be delayed as required by this law. 

Application Process 

  • Alternative loans are not part of the Federal student loan programs and should be used for circumstances where you have exhausted all other options regarding financing your education. We recommend you apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before seeking an alternative loan. You may be eligible for the Federal William D. Ford (Direct) loan program. Benefits of the Direct Loans over an alternative loan may include lower interest rates and greater repayment options.  
  • Search for an alternative loan lender through FastChoice. 

Points to consider when choosing a lender 

  • Interest Rate – It may be capitalized: therefore, increasing the amount of money you owe. Consider using a cosigner. You may qualify for slightly lower rates. 
  • Fees – The interest rates and fees that you pay are based on your credit score and the credit score of your cosigner if you choose to use one. 
  • Borrower Benefits – These vary by lender. 
  • Repayment Terms – Some lenders require you to pay while you are in school. Others will defer payments until after graduation. 
  • Eligibility Requirements - Check the requirements for the loan. 

Please contact the financial aid office for loan request dates. 

Emergency Tuition Loan 

Emergency loans for payment of tuition and fees or supplies/textbooks are available through the University's Business Office on a limited funds basis. 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. 
  • You must be enrolled and in good academic standing. 
  • You must have a good credit history with the University. 
  • You must have a reliable means of repayment or have a co-signer. 

For more information regarding Emergency Loans, contact the Business Office.