By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Direct Loans available to Four Seasons students
Placeholder Image
MONROE - Financial aid resources are getting a makeover at Four Seasons Cosmetology School on Fourth Avenue West in Monroe.

Students at the school now can apply for the Stafford Direct Loan Program.

The school recently was approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the program, which provides students with a simple, inexpensive way to borrow money to pay for their education.

"It was a tremendous effort for a small school like ours to add a major federal program of this nature," said Dan Gramer, school vice president.

"However, we expect it to be a fantastic financial resource for our students. Other than a grant or scholarship, federal loan programs are the best resources available to students," he added.

Four Seasons Cosmetology School continues to participate in the Federal Pell Grant program, in which its students are eligible to receive up to $9,462 in grants.

Four Seasons Cosmetology School is a nationally accredited institution offering programs in Nail Technology and Cosmetology, and also provides services performed by students.

The school has between 8 and 12 students at any time, and conducts two sessions of classes a year. The next session opens about Feb. 23.

The Four Seasons Salon and Day Spa Inc. Cosmetology School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Staff at Four Seasons Cosmetology School worked for nearly five months to add the federal loan program, an effort Garner led.

The process involved achieving formal government approvals, reconciling hundreds of pages of relevant federal regulations, and integrating the program into the school's existing operational framework.

The Stafford Direct Loan Program offers students low-interest rates, no credit check and several repayment options.

The loan lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. The current interest rate for loans first disbursed before July 1, 2009, is 6 percent for subsidized Direct Loans.

Direct Loans are unique in that they do not require a credit check or a co-borrower, which is particularly useful for younger students who have not had a chance to establish a credit history.

Students can choose from several repayment plans designed to meet their needs and can switch repayment plans if their needs change. Also, students do not have to start making payments until six months after they leave school, giving them time to first establish their new career and build a clientele.

More information about the school can be found at www.hairdirections.com or by calling (608) 329-7004. The school is accepting applications for classes starting Feb. 23.