The Kansas City Art Institute participates in two major federal loan programs: the Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Each requires a separate promissory note which be obtained online or from the KCAI financial aid office.
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans charge no interest to the student as long as the student maintains a 2.0 grade-point average and is enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. Learn how to apply for these loans.
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are similar to Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans except that the interest on these loans begins accumulating at the time the funds are disbursed. The interest rate of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans is 6.8 percent. The interest may be capitalized or kept current through quarterly payments.
Repayment of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, like Direct Subsidized Loans, begins six months after the student no longer maintains at least half-time enrollment in a degree program. Under certain circumstances, independent students and dependent students may be eligible for additional Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan amounts. Learn how to apply for these loans.
Direct Plus Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) provide parents with the option of assisting in the coverage of educational expenses. These loans are available in any amount up to the cost of education as determined by KCAI minus other aid. They have a fixed interest rate of 7.9 percent. Repayment begins within 60 days of the loan being fully disbursed. These loans do require a credit check. Learn how to apply for these loans.
The Perkins Loan is administered by KCAI. There is a nine-month post-enrollment grace period before repayment begins. The interest rate is 5 percent. As money is repaid by former students, it is re-loaned to those currently seeking an education. The lender is KCAI. Learn more.
We always encourage the parents of dependent students to apply for and utilize the Direct PLUS loan and the student to take advantage of the Direct Stafford Loans because these loans have better interest rates. If you are independent and/or have financial need after the Direct Stafford and PLUS loan options, you may want to consider a private loan. Please understand that each private loan lender uses its own company's credit criteria. The credit terms are generally more stringent than a Direct PLUS loan and may require a cosigner. Interest rates, repayment terms and other options vary widely so it pays to shop around for the best deal.
View our preferred lender list to select a lender or talk to your preferred bank about options.
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