Business Services

Federal Perkins Loan Program

The Federal Perkins Loan Office at Western Illinois University is located in Sherman Hall 106. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm. If you have any questions, please contact the Billing and Receivables Office at 309-298-1295 or email BRPerkins@wiu.edu.

Interest

A Federal Perkins Loan accrues interest from the date the loan first becomes due until it is paid in full. Loans taken out after July 1, 1987, accrue interest at the rate of 5% per annum. Interest accrues against the principal only. Loans taken out prior to July 1, 1987, accrue interest at the rate of 3% per annum.

Grace Period

A grace period is the period of time before the borrower must begin or resume repaying a loan. An initial grace period is one that immediately follows a period of enrollment and immediately precedes the date repayment is required to begin for the first time. A borrower who has been attending at least half-time is entitled to an initial grace period of nine consecutive months after dropping below half-time enrollment. After each deferment, the borrower is entitled to a post-deferment grace period of six consecutive months.

Billing Statements

The monthly billing statements are generally mailed on the 15th of each month payable on the 1st of the following month. We have several Payment Methods available for your convenience:

Payment Methods

Payment Online

Make payments directly from your bank account through the Illinois Treasurer's Electronic Payment website or by calling 1-866-650-8459.

Authorization of Automatic Withdrawal (form)

Borrowers who have Perkins Loans can have their monthly payment electronically withdrawn from their bank accounts. Please contact the Federal Perkins Loan Office at (309) 298-1295 or email BRPerkins@wiu.edu to request the appropriate forms.

Mail-In Payments

Send to:

Western Illinois University
Federal Perkins Loan Office
Sherman Hall 106
1 University Circle
Macomb IL 61455-1390

Credit Card Payments

Credit card payments may only be processed through the Illinois Treasurer's Electronic Payment website or by calling 1-866-650-8459. They accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover. There is a convenience fee associated with this service.

Deferment

The Federal Perkins Loan program provides for deferment of payment under certain circumstances. During deferment, the borrower is not required to pay loan principal and interest does not accrue.  See the Deferment page for more information.

Forbearance

A general forbearance is a period during which you are allowed to postpone making payments temporarily, allowed an extension of time for making payments, or temporarily allowed to make smaller payments than scheduled. A forbearance can be a mandatory forbearance, meaning that your loan holder must grant the forbearance if you qualify for the forbearance and supply all supporting documentation. A forbearance can also be a discretionary forbearance, meaning that your loan holder may grant the forbearance, but is not required to do so.

Cancellation

A borrower may have all or part of his or her loan cancelled for engaging in teaching, public service, service in the Peace Corps or ACTION or service in the military. See the Cancellation page for more information.

Default

The failure of a borrower to make an installment payment when due or to comply with other terms of the promissory note or written repayment agreement. The consequences of a defaulted loan are very serious. Defaulted loans are not eligible for deferment and forbearance. They are reported to a credit bureau and placed with a collection agency. To discuss options once your loan has defaulted, contact Billing and Receivables at 309-298-1295.