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Institutional Loans

Cal Poly Institutional Loans are very limited and may assist students who have financial need. Institutional loans are awarded on a case-by-case by a Financial Aid Counselor. Discuss your circumstances with a Financial Aid Counselor who will determine if an institutional loan is an appropriate option.

Interest rates are fixed at 4% and repayment begins six months after graduation or dropping below a half-time enrollment status. Loans are normally repaid within five years. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Cal Poly Institutional Loan, you must:

  • Have financial need, as determined by the FAFSA or California Dream Act application.
  • Be enrolled full-time.
  • Be in good academic standing (2.50 GPA minimum preferred).
  • Complete an Institutional Loan Application Packet.

Institutional Loans Available

Herbert E. Collins Loan

  • Open to all majors.
  • Must be a CA resident.
  • Minimum earnings requirement (at least half of loan amount earned in past 12 months).
  • Committee approval required.
  • Max: equal to amount of subsidized loan/year; $22,000 lifetime maximum.

Lydia Humphrey Memorial Loan

  • Open to undergraduate CAED students
  • Max: $4,800

Nissen Loan

  • Open to CAFES students
  • Committee approval required
  • Average: $3,500

Esther B. Dugan Loan

  • Open to CAFES students
  • Max: $800

Robert W. and Hazel W. Lutz Loan

  • Open to all majors
  • Max: $2,000