51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ

FORWARD Loan

The Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan Program is a low-interest loan designed for students enrolled in programs aligned with high-value credentials and high-demand occupations. This program is limited to students enrolled in specific programs within the fields of Nursing/Patient Care, Teaching, Technology, Transportation/Logistics, and Energy. The FORWARD Loan may be used to cover part or all of the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students do not have to demonstrate financial need. However, the amount of federal aid for which you are eligible (regardless of whether actually accepted) must be deducted from the cost of attendance in determining the FORWARD Loan amount.

Borrower

Student

Loan Eligibility

Students must:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA)
  • Be a Texas resident
  • Register for Selective Service at sss.gov (male students only)
  • Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements set by the institution.
  • Receive a favorable credit evaluation or provide a cosigner who has good credit standing and meets other requirements.
  • Not exceed the manageable loan debt calculated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. NOTE: Depending on the calculation, the loan could be reduced or canceled by the THECB after the loan eligibility has been certified by 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ.
  • Be current (not more than 30 days delinquent) on any child support obligations (Texas Family Code, Title 5, Section 231.006)
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in a High-Demand Credential program leading to one of the following that the student will be able to complete in two years or less ():
    • Most degree or certificate programs designed to prepare a student to teach, counsel, or administrate in primary or secondary education (except sports/exercise related majors) 
    • Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing
    • Bachelor of Science or Applied Science in Computer Science
    • Most degree or certificate programs offered by the School of Business (except Organizational Leadership)

Additional Requirements:

  • If enrolled in a degree program, you must have completed at least 50% of the required coursework prior to receiving a loan (60+ credit hours undergraduate; 18+ hours graduate).
  • If enrolled in a non-degree program (certificate), the program’s duration must be less than two years.

How to Apply

Students may apply online at . The application process includes:

  • Promissory Note completed in HHLoans.
  • Private Education Loan Application Self-Certification form completed in HHLoans.
  • Loan Acceptance Disclosure Agreement to be completed in HHLoans after loan is approved.

Borrowing Limits

Students may borrow up to the amount of their full cost of attendance minus all other financial aid they are eligible for, including amounts not yet accepted. (No less than $100.00) Eligibility for the program ends two years from the start of the term in which the student first received the FORWARD Loan.

Interest Rate

Fixed 4.30% annual rate (effective August 1, 2024). Interest is not capitalized.

Repayment Information

Loans have a six-month grace period from the date a borrower ceases to be continuously enrolled as at least a half-time student at an eligible institution.

Postponements of loan repayment and income-sensitive or graduated repayment schedules are available.

Additional Information

If the FORWARD Loan is declined based on the credit inquiry, the borrower may update their application to include a credit worthy cosigner, or change cosigners. The cosigner will need to provide information on the loan application to authorize the credit inquiry.

Contact Information

For more information on the FORWARD Loan, please call Borrower Services at 800-242-3062 or visit

Ìý