Student Loans

Beginning July 1, 2026, Atlantic Cape Community College will be required to prorate Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan amounts for students who are enrolled less than full time (fewer than 12 credits in a term). The prorated loan amount will be based on the number of credits a student is enrolled in at the time the loan is disbursed.

For example: A dependent, first-year student is normally eligible to receive up to $5,500 in Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans per academic year ($2,750 in the fall term and $2,750 in the spring term). If the student is enrolled in at least 12 credits in the fall term, they may receive the full $2,750 fall loan amount. However, if the student is enrolled in 6 credits instead of 12, the loan amount will be prorated to 6/12 (50%) of $2,750, or $1,375.

This change may result in lower loan amounts than students have received in the past if they are enrolled less than full time.

This change applies to parents borrowing a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for the first time on or after July 1, 2026. Parents will be limited to borrowing up to $20,000 per year per student.

Parents will be limited to borrowing a maximum of $65,000 per student in total.

These new limits will apply only to Parent PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026. If a parent has received a Parent PLUS loan prior to July 1, 2026, or if the student has received a Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan prior to that date, the new limits will not apply for three academic years following July 1, 2026, as long as the student remains enrolled in the same academic program.

Please email the financial aid office if you have any questions at finaid@atlanticcape.edu You may also reach out to Atlantic Cape’s One-Stop Center at Phone: (609) 625-1111.

Learn More from US Department of Education

There are limits to how much you can borrow each academic year and in total. Your limits depend on whether you’re a dependent or independent student.

You cannot borrow more than your cost of attendance, and not everyone qualifies for the full subsidized amount.

You may be eligible for:

• Subsidized Loans – No interest while you’re enrolled at least half time. Based on financial need.

• Unsubsidized Loans – Interest starts as soon as the loan is disbursed. Not based on need.

• Parent PLUS Loans – For parents of dependent students. Credit check required.

To borrow a federal student loan, follow these steps:

1. Submit your FAFSA.

2. Make sure your financial aid file is complete.

3. Log in to Self Service through Atlantic Cape Connect and request your loan.

Before your loan is disbursed, you must also complete:

• Entrance Counseling

• Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Complete both at studentaid.gov

Most federal student loans enter repayment six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

If you’re having trouble making payments, contact your loan servicer. They may be able to help you set up an income-driven repayment plan, deferment, or forbearance.

Learn about repayment and default options

Student Loan Appeal Worksheet

Federal loans are submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and are visible to other schools, servicers, and federal agencies. You have the right to:

• Know your loan terms

• Decline all or part of the loan

• Cancel a loan before disbursement

In accordance with HEOA 489 Amended HEA Sec. 485B, Atlantic Cape Community College is required to disclose to all borrowers that any loan borrowed by a student or eligible parent will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The information reported to NSLDS will be accessible by guarantee agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system.

Borrowers may review their NSLDS history and information at any time at studentaid.gov.

For more information, visit

Resources on how to manage your loan