Guide to the Popular Federal Stafford Loan Program
Here is guide to the popular federal stafford loan program. The Federal Stafford Loan is the basic building block of most students’ financial aid packages. Students using Stafford Loans can typically borrow a significant amount of money regardless of their financial need, for both undergraduate and graduate school programs.
The interest rate and terms for Stafford Loans can vary depending on whether the loans are subsidized or unsubsidized. However, in either scenario, they represent one of the best choices for borrowing to pay college costs.
Federal Stafford Loan Borrowing Limits:
Stafford Loan limits are based on two factors: whether a student is considered a dependent of his parents and his year in school.
Stafford Loan Maximum Amounts:
- Freshman - $3,500 dependent, $7,500 independent
- Sophomore - $4,500 dependent, $8,500 independent
- Junior or Later - $5,500 dependent, $10,500 independent
- Graduate or Professional Degree - $20,500 per year for either type of student
Dependent students who were not able to secure a PLUS loan for additional funds can borrow money up to the independent student loan amount.
Additionally, there is a lifetime limit on Stafford Loans, currently capped at $138,500 per student.
Subsidized versus Unsubsidized Stafford Loans:
A subsidized Stafford Loan is one that the Federal government pays the interest on while a student is still in school. In other words, the loan value has nothing added to its original amount until after you graduate. Subsidized loans are available on the basis of financial need.
Students who don’t qualify for a subsidized loan can still receive an unsubsidized loan, but will accrue interest while they are still in school. However, they do not have to begin repaying the loan until after they graduate.
The amounts of subsidized loans a student can receive are limited to the “dependent” maximums listed above. For example, the maximum subsidized loan amount for a freshman student would be $3,500. Any additional Stafford Loans received, up to the freshman year maximum of $7,500, would be unsubsidized.
For graduate school, the maximum subsidized loan amount is $8,500 out of a possible Stafford Loan package of $20,500 per year.
Interest Rates and Fees on Federal Stafford Loans:
The current interest rate on all Stafford Loans issued after June 30, 2006 is 6.80%. Starting on July 1, 2008, and continuing through the 2011-2012 school year, the following lower rates will be offered for NEW subsidized undergraduate loans ONLY:
- 2008-2009: 6.00%
- 2009-2010: 5.60%
- 2010-2011: 4.50%
- 2011-2012: 3.40%
In addition to the interest paid on a Stafford Loan, there is also a loan fee of 4% of the total loan amount. This fee is partially deducted from each disbursement check, and is expected to decrease each year until it reaches 1% in 2010.
Repaying Federal Stafford Loans:
Repayment of all Stafford Loans begins six months after a student does one of the following:
- Graduates
- Drops-out
- Drops below half-time status
During this six-month “grace period,” interest does not get added onto a subsidized loan, but does accrue for unsubsidized loan balances.
Stafford Loans allow you to choose a repayment plan which might include:
- Even payments over 10 years
- Increasing payments over 10 years
- Even or increasing payments over 25 years (loans over $30,000)
- Income-sensitive payments
Applying for a Federal Stafford Loan:
Regardless of whether or not you are applying for a subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford Loan, you must fill out a FAFSA form. Once completed, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is forwarded to your school, who will then inform you of your loan eligibility and lender options. When you accept the loan, you are required to sign a “master promissory note” before any funds can be disbursed.
Category Article Federal Stafford Loan, Student Loan Programs
