Students First Initiative
Students First is a university-wide initiative designed to help students at all Ohio State campuses and their families who face increased economic hardship as a result of the recession. The initiative covers most currently enrolled students and those admitted for autumn term, 2009.
Students First Short-Term Loans:
Students may borrow up to $1,000 in short-term loans during the academic year and may qualify for an extended repayment date of September 30, 2009 to allow them time to earn money to repay by working over the summer. The interest rate is 5%.
Students First Long-Term Loans:
Students may borrow up to $3,000 during the academic year to a maximum of $8,000 during the student’s academic career at Ohio State. The interest rate is 5%. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive this loan.
To qualify for either loan, the student must:
- Be enrolled for at least 1 credit hour for the term
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates, or 3.0 for graduate students
- Apply by Tuesday of the last week of classes for the term
- Sign and date the University Loan application in ink
- Speak with a financial aid staff member either in person or by phone to get approval for the Students First loan prior to submitting the application
We strongly recommend that students contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if their family financial situation has changed to see if an appeal could result in additional eligibility for need-based aid prior to considering a Short-Term or Long-Term Students First Loan.
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