Can you accept subsidized and decline unsubsidized loans?

Asked by: Josefina Reichert  |  Last update: April 20, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)

If you are awarded Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized loans, each loan must be accepted or declined. ALL of a Subsidized Loan must be accepted before accepting any portion of an Unsubsidized Loan.

Can you decline an unsubsidized loan after accepting it?

Yes you can, do you know who your loan provider is? Give them a call to let them know you would like to cancel it. That's how I usually handle it.

Do I have to accept both subsidized and unsubsidized loans?

You don't need to accept all the student loans that are offered to you, and you can request a lower loan amount than what you are eligible for. If you end up needing more funds in the future, you can talk to your school's financial aid office.

Can I accept a student loan and not use it?

You can accept student loans and not use them, but you'll still be responsible for paying them back with interest. If you find you don't need the loans, you can cancel them within 120 days of loan disbursement.

Can you return unsubsidized student loans?

Option 1: Return to the Lender

This can make your future loan repayments more manageable and less stressful. Also, by returning the funds you don't need, you avoid owing the interest accrual on that amount during your time in school if you have either an unsubsidized federal student loan or a private student loan.

Differences between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

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Can I cancel my unsubsidized loan?

You may reduce or cancel a Direct Unsubsidized Loan online via your myUMBC account if it has not yet disbursed. If the loan has already disbursed, you should complete the Loan Decrease/Cancel Request Form no later than 14 days after you receive notification that your loan has disbursed.

Can I decrease my loan amount after approval?

After a loan is approved, the loan amount is approved with specific terms and conditions. Most lenders may not allow borrowers to decrease the loan amount. In case they do allow to decrease the loan, be prepared for extra charges.

Can you cancel a student loan after you accept it?

You may cancel your loan request at any point in the process by contacting the Financial Aid Office. If you have already received the loan funds, you have up to 120 days after the date of disbursement to cancel all or part of your loan and return the funds yourself to the U.S. Department of Education.

What is the 120 day rule for student loans?

Grants and Student Loans

If you get your loan money, but then you realize that you don't need the money after all, you may cancel all or part of your loan within 120 days of receiving it and no interest or fees will be charged.

Does accepting a student loan affect credit score?

Having a student loan will affect your credit score. Your student loan amount and payment history are a part of your credit report. Your credit reports—which impact your credit score—will contain information about your student loans, including: Amount that you owe on your loans.

Why did I get unsubsidized loans instead of subsidized?

Direct Subsidized Loans are available only to undergraduate students who have financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to both undergraduates and graduate or professional degree students. You are not required to show financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Do I have to pay back FAFSA if I drop out?

Federal financial aid regulation states that if you withdraw from all of your classes or cease enrollment prior to the 60 percent point of instruction in any term, you will be required to repay all unearned financial aid funds received. A calculation will be performed to determine the repayment amount.

What happens if I accept an unsubsidized student loan?

You'll have to repay the money with interest. Subsidized loans don't generally start accruing (accumulating) interest until you leave school (or drop below half-time enrollment), so accept a subsidized loan before an unsubsidized loan.

Can I reject a loan after applying?

Can You Apply for a Loan and Not Accept It? Yes. If a lender has approved your application for a personal loan, you're not required to take it. This is an important distinction from credit cards, where your account is opened immediately upon approval.

What increases your total loan balance in FAFSA?

Interest accrual, interest capitalization, fees, deferment, forbearance, and grace periods can all increase your student loan balance. Paying more than the minimum each month, making extra payments, and paying interest while in school can help reduce your loan costs.

Can you accept student loans after declining them?

How can I get them back? Once you initially accept or decline your Federal Direct Loan offers, they will be frozen. To increase your loan amount, you can complete the Loan Increase/Reinstatement Request form. You may request up to your maximum eligibility based on the Federal Direct Loan borrowing limits.

Why is it so hard to pay off student loans?

If your monthly payment does not cover the accrued interest, your loan balance will go up, even though you're making payments. Unpaid interest will also capitalize each year until your total balance is 10% higher than the original balance. This means you will pay interest on your interest.

What is the 10 year rule for student loans?

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you've satisfied the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) under an IDR plan while working full-time for an eligible employer.

How do I cancel an unsubsidized loan?

You can notify Student Accounts Services that you wish to cancel your loan within 14 days of their notification to you that your loan funds have been credited to your account or by the first day of classes, whichever is later.

Can you return unsubsidized loans?

*You can return loan funds to your servicer more than 120 days after disbursement, but the return will be processed as a pre-payment on the loan, and you'll be charged interest and a loan fee on the amount you return.

Can you cancel a loan after being accepted?

Factors to Consider Before Canceling a Personal Loan

Personal loans can often be canceled if they're not yet approved and the agreement hasn't been signed. However, once the agreement is signed, you're in a binding contract. Some lenders offer a three-day grace period, in which you can cancel the loan for any reason.

Can you change your mind after accepting a loan?

You must notify your lender in writing that you are cancelling the loan contract and exercising your right to rescind. You may use the form provided to you by your lender or a letter. You can't rescind just by calling or visiting the lender.

Can a loan be approved then declined?

Yes, while extremely rare, a home loan can be denied after unconditional approval in certain circumstances. The formal approval letter from your lender will typically include the terms and conditions such as 'subject to further bank requirements' to enforce it.

Can you decline a loan?

You can decline a loan. You should only borrow what is needed. If your living expenses aren't going to be as high as the amount estimated by the school, you have the right to decline (turn down) the loan or request a lower loan amount.