Student Loan Information

SEARK participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (subsidized and unsubsidized). The US Department of Education provides information about different types of student loans.

** Remember: all loans need to be repaid with interest. **

For more information on student loans, go to https://studentloans.gov or contact our Financial Aid Office at (870) 543-5909 or finaid@seark.edu . You may also want to Use the Repayment Estimator and view more information on Entrance Counseling and Exit Counseling.

Your previous and current student loan information can be found it National Student Loan Data System for Students

How to Apply for Loans

Depending on need, freshman students are eligible for up to $3,500 per year in subsidized student loan funds and sophomore students are eligible for up to $4,500 per year in subsidized loan funds. Additionally, unsubsidized student loan funds are available.

Note: The ACTUAL out-of-pocket expenses for each semester for a full-time student enrolling in 12 semester credit hours will be approximately $1,600 tuition and fees with an estimated book cost of $600 (figures will vary based on your actual enrollment and/or degree). If you have registered for classes, you may go to Self Service (Student Planning), select Student Finance, then Account Activity to determine your tuition and fee expenses. (Don’t forget to estimate an expense for books). You may wish to borrow just enough to cover your actual expenses.

Student loans are not automatically awarded. Please contact our office at (870) 543-5909 for more information on how to apply for student loans.

Loan Cancellation, Forgiveness, and Default Info

Federal Programs for Eligible Students are available to Help Reduce Loans, Repay Loans, and/or Get a Fresh Start to Take Loans out of Default.  Take advantage of these loan relief options provided by the U.S. Department of Education and please Share this information.

Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-payments

1. Before 10/31/22 - Check to see if you qualify for the Limited PSLF waiver: PSLF Waiver Offers Way to Get Closer to Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid,
2. Before 10/31/22 - Check to ensure all loans are Direct loans or Direct Consolidation Loans
3. Fill out PSLF application today if you work for in public service.  Whether you have made 120 qualifying payments, or are working toward PSLF and are completing your employer certification, you should fill out and submit the (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application (PSLF form).

Apply for One-time Student Loan Debt Relief

Loan Debt Reduction up to $20,000

https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation

1. Application available October 2022
2. Deadline to apply is 12/30/23

Assistance for Eligible Borrowers who are in Default

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start

1. Current Deadline to apply - 1 year after the COVID pause ends

For more information on Loan Repayment and/or Loan Forgiveness, go to Student Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid or call your loan servicer.