Loan Repayment

Student loans are just as real as car loans or mortgages. You have to pay back your student loans to the federal government (or the private lender who serviced your Federal Direct Loan).

Be aware of your obligations so you can stay on top of your loans. 


Prior to Leaving JWU

Take the time to meet with a financial services representative to complete student loan exit counseling.

You will have access to view your Federal Loan history, which lists the names of your lenders/servicers.

You will also be able to view:

  • Loan amounts borrowed
  • Interest rates
  • Contact information
Learn about:
  • Repayment options
  • Avoiding default
  • Debt management and education

Please review your tuition account to make sure all other financial obligations to the university have been met (this will allow you to avoid holds that prevent the release of your transcript and/or diploma). 


Grace Periods

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you have a period of time before you have to begin repayment. This “grace period” is

  • six months for a Federal Direct Loan
  • nine months for Federal Perkins Loans (repayment is made to JWU)

Your grace period begins the day after you stop attending school on at least a half-time basis. Once your grace period ends, you must begin repaying your loan(s). If you re-enroll in school at least half time before the end of your 6-month grace period, you will receive the full 6-month grace period when you stop attending school or drop below half-time enrollment in the future. 

We can't emphasize enough the importance of making your full loan payment on time and according to your repayment schedule.

If you do not make your full on-time payments, you could default on your Federal Loans, which has serious consequences.