Additional Aid Request
Eligible students who have been initially awarded financial aid but are in need of additional aid may submit an Additional Aid Request by selecting one of the "Apply" buttons below depending on the term the aid is needed for. Students must meet the program criteria in order to be able to apply for this online request. Once one of the applied buttons is selected, you will be prompted to login with your UTRGV username and password. After logging in you will fill out the fields to submit your request.
The Direct Loan Option is only activated if the student is eligible to request the loan*.
Aid available to request:
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based loans available to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours). The maximum loan amount is determined by the student's grade level and cost of attendance, as determined by the school, minus other financial aid received.
The U.S. Department of Education covers the interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during deferment periods, making it a better option than Unsubsidized Loans.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans is a non-need-based loan available to students enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) who don’t qualify for a subsidized loan, to supplement a subsidized loan, or to those in graduate school. The maximum loan amount is based on the student’s grade level and cost of attendance, as determined by the school, minus other financial aid received.
While more costly, it's a good option when subsidized loans are not an option. Although payments can be deferred, you are responsible for the interest that begins building up as soon as the loan is disbursed, even while you're in school.
This is a low interest loan for eligible Parents of dependent undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). Eligibility will be based upon a satisfactory credit check by Department of Education. The maximum loan amount is the student's cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.)
This is a loan available for eligible graduate and professional students enrolled at least half time (6 hours). Eligibility will be based upon a satisfactory credit check by Department of Education. The borrower is responsible for all interest that accrues. Students should first apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan before applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan because terms and interest rates are better with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The maximum loan amount is the student's cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for eligible undergraduate and graduate students with financial need and enrolled at least half time (6 hours), allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. Program funding each academic year is contingent upon availability of funds.
Please note that both Perkins Loans and the Work-study Program are contingent upon availability of funds.
Important Criteria if Requesting a Direct Loan
Students must meet the following criteria in order for the Direct Loan Request option to be activated. There is a minimum one-day delay after meeting the criteria for the option to be available:
Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
- File a FAFSA
- Be a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen and have a valid Social Security Number
- Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree-seeking program
- Not be in default on a federal student loan and not owe money on a federal student grant
- Not have property(s) subject to a judgment lien for a debt owed to the United States.
- For Subsidized loans, demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA
Must have been initially awarded financial aid.
The direct loan request option is only available for students who need to request additional funds after being considered originally for financial aid. Students may already have been awarded financial aid (including loans) as part of their initial financial aid package.
Must have not reached the maximum subsidized and/or unsubsidized eligibility.
There are limits on the maximum a student may be eligible to receive each academic year (yearly loan limit) and over their academic career (aggregate loan limit). These limits depend on grade level/classification and dependency status, as determined by the FAFSA. Please read this chart with loan limits. To review a student’s financial aid loan history, visit
Direct loans can only be awarded up to a student’s Cost of Attendance.
The direct loan amount a student can borrow is determined by UTRGV by considering a student’s Cost of Attendance (or budget based on enrollment) minus any other financial aid received. A student’s Cost of Attendance and financial aid received are available on ASSIST via
Freshmen first time borrowers, who did not get awarded a loan originally, must meet with one of our Loan Advisors for a Freshmen Loan Counseling Session.
Before getting awarded any type of Direct Loan. These sessions are held on a one-on-one basis at the Financial Aid Office. Students may sign up at
Students awarded a Perkins Loan, Be On Time Loan, or a TPEGP will not be offered the option to request a Direct Loan.
Students may elect to decline their award in order to request a Direct Loan.