Federal Stafford Loans
(for students)

Federal Stafford Loans are low-interest loans made to undergraduate or graduate students attending school on at least a half-time basis.  These loans are made in the student borrower's name.  All borrowers must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Awards may not exceed the cost of the education minus other awarded financial aid.  For subsidized undergraduate loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, the interest rate is a fixed 6.0%.

There are two types:

  • Subsidized -
    Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by information provided on your FAFSA. The federal government pays interest on the loan until repayment.
     
  • Unsubsidized -
    Eligibility is not based on financial need. You are responsible for paying the interest, although payment may be deferred while you are in school.
     

ANNUAL LOAN LIMITS

Dependent Students
(except students whose parents cannot borrow a PLUS Loan)
Classification Base
amount
Additional unsubsidized
loan amount
Freshman $3,500 $2,000
Sophomore $4,500 $2,000
Junior or Senior $5,500 $2,000
Independent Undergraduate Students and
Dependent Students whose parents cannot borrow a PLUS Loan
Classification Base
amount
Additional unsubsidized
loan amount
Freshman $3,500 $6,000
Sophomore $4,500 $6,000
Junior or Senior $5,500 $7,000
Graduate and Professional Students
Classification Base
amount
Additional unsubsidized
loan amount
Graduate or Professional $8,500 Unchanged at $12,000
 
AGGREGATE STAFFORD LOAN LIMITS
Classification Loan Limit
Dependent Undergraduate $31,000 (no more than $23,000 of which can be subsidized)
Independent Undergraduate $57,500 (no more than $23,000 of which can be subsidized)
Graduate and Professional $138,500 (no more than $65,500 of which can be subsidized)


Stafford Loan Fees and Interest Rate

There are two federal fees associated with a Stafford Loan which will be deducted from the amount you borrow.  For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2008:

  • 1% origination fee

  • 0% to 1% default fee, based on guarantor of the loan

Stafford subsidized undergraduate loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, have a fixed interest rate of 6.0% set by the federal government.
 


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