Student Loans

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

These loans are available to eligible students enrolled at least half time (6 credits or more).

There are two types:

• Subsidized Loans: The federal government pays the interest while you're in school and during grace or deferment periods.
• Unsubsidized Loans: Interest starts accruing when the loan is disbursed, even while you're in school.

Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Loans for parents of dependent students

These loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover education costs not met by other aid. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed.

Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

Simplify loan repayment

Consolidating your federal student loans can simplify repayment by combining multiple loans into one. It may also provide access to additional repayment or forgiveness options.

Consolidate your loans

Borrowing private student loans wisely

Private loans are credit-based, non-federal student loans offered by banks or private lenders. These loans can help cover education expenses not met by federal aid.

Students may choose to borrow private loans, and we encourage you to research your options carefully to find a loan that fits your needs and financial situation. You can review private educational loans that CCBC has certified in the past using our ScholarNet database.

When comparing private loan options, consider:

• Your total loan debt
• Repayment timeline
• Available interest rates
• Your credit score and whether you may need a co-signer

Before you choose a lender, review our loan notices and disclosures.

ScholarNet database

The Maryland Pay It Forward Fund (MD PIFF) helps eligible CCBC nursing students cover tuition gaps and living expenses. MD PIFF offers 0% interest, outcome-based loans, meaning your repayment doesn't begin until after you graduate or leave the program.

You won't make payments while you're enrolled. If your income falls below $50,000, you can apply for income-based deferment.

Who can apply

To qualify, you must:

• Be enrolled in or accepted into CCBC's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
• Be a Maryland resident authorized to work in the U.S.
• Be at least 18 years old
• Meet basic underwriting requirements, including limited credit knockout criteria such as collections over $15,000 (not counting medical or learner debt) and bankruptcy status
• Show proof that you've filed the FAFSA, or proof that you're not eligible to file one

A licensed loan originator confirms your eligibility during the application process.

What the loan covers

Tuition and fees
Up to $5,000 a year ($10,000 total) to help cover tuition and required fees after other financial aid is applied. MD PIFF works alongside your existing aid — it doesn't replace it.

Living expenses
Up to $6,000 a year ($12,000 total) for costs like housing, transportation or child care.

How it works

• Enroll in CCBC's ADN program
• Apply for an MD PIFF loan through the loan servicer's secure online platform
• Complete the program
• Begin working
• Repay the 0% loan — your payments help fund the next student. If you're earning below $50,000 a year, you can request deferment.

If you leave the program before completing it, you'll still enter repayment unless you request and receive deferment.

Loan terms

• 0% interest, no upfront fees
• Fixed monthly payments
• 3-month grace period after graduation or leaving the program
• Repayment due within 60 months
• Income-based deferment for borrowers earning under $50,000 a year
• No default or late-payment fees
• Bankruptcy doesn't automatically cancel the loan — you may still owe payments

How to apply

The online interest form is coming soon. In the meantime, contact Financial Aid to learn more.

• Loan amounts now match your enrollment. If you're enrolled less than full time (fewer than 12 credits), your loan amount is now prorated to match your enrollment level.
  • For example, a student enrolled half time (6 credits) may be eligible for roughly 50% of the full-time loan amount.
• Parent PLUS Loans now have a cap. New Parent PLUS borrowers can receive up to $20,000 per year, with a $65,000 total limit per student.
• Outside scholarships can affect your Pell Grant. If a scholarship already covers your full cost of attendance, it may reduce your Pell Grant eligibility.
• Repayment plans are simpler. New federal loans now repay through one of two plans: a standard plan or a new income-driven plan called RAP.

If you already had a loan before July 1, 2026, some of your current limits may still apply for a few years.