Extension of Eligibility for Increased Unsubsidized Loans for Health Professions Students

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) GEN-99-21 announcing the extension of eligibility for increased unsubsidized loan amounts due to the phase out of the Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program. Additional references regarding the procedure for increased annual loan amounts for health professions students can be found in  DCL GEN-99-13, GEN-98-18,  GEN-97-14, and GEN-97-04 (see UHEAA Bulletins: Volume 99 - Issue 13, Volume 98 - Issue 94, Volume 97 - Issue 49, and Volume 97 - Issue 15.)

This extended authority is granted regardless of whether the school previously participated in the HEAL Program, and is effective for any loan period that begins on or after May 1, 1999. These increased limits for unsubsidized loans are available only for students enrolled in health professions disciplines funded under the HEAL Program. Additionally, the health profession program at an institution must be accredited by an approved accrediting agency. A list of health professions disciplines eligible for increased unsubsidized loan funds and their approved accrediting agencies is attached to the DCL.

Questions regarding this DCL may be directed to Vanessa Freeman of ED's Program Development Division at (202) 708-8242, or by e-mail at vanessa_freeman@ed.gov. A copy of this DCL is available on ED's web site at http://ifap.ed.gov. If you are unable to access ED's web site and would like a copy of this DCL, please contact Lynda Reid at (801) 321-7211. Any questions regarding this bulletin can be directed to the UHEAA Policy and Training Department at (801) 321-7166 or by e-mail at cjudd@utahsbr.edu.