Stafford

A Stafford loan is the best way to pay for college after scholarships and grants.

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Eligibility

To get a Stafford loan, you must:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be enrolled in a school that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program
  • Be enrolled at least half-time while working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate
  • Have no education loans in default or owe education grant refunds.

Special eligibility requirements:

  • Register with the Selective Service, if you are male and 18-25 years old
  • Show financial need to qualify for a subsidized loan

Features & Terms

Who Pays

  • The student repays the loan.
  • No payments are required while you attend school at least half-time.

Interest Rates

  • All federal Stafford loans disbursed on/after July 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009, will be fixed at 6.8% with the exception of the undergraduate subsidized Stafford which will be fixed at 6%.

Interest Payments

  • Subsidized loans - the federal government pays the interest while you are in school, during your grace period or during any deferment period.
  • Unsubsidized loans - you are responsible for interest payments and can choose to pay them while in school or have them added to the principal balance.

Fees

  • Origination fees will not exceed 1%.
  • Federal default fee will not exceed 1%.

Grace Period

  • A 6-month grace period begins when you leave school, graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.

Repayment

  • Take 10 years to pay – longer with flexible repayment options.
  • No penalties for paying your loan off early.

Loan Management

Annual Loan Limits

Annual Loan Limits

Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loan

Additional Unsubsidized Eligibility For Independent Students*

1st Year Undergraduate

$3,500

$4,000

2nd Year Undergraduate

$4,500

$4,000

3rd, 4th or 5th Year Undergraduate

$5,500

$5,000

Graduate or Professional Student

$8,500

$12,000

*Or dependent students whose parents are denied a federal Parent PLUS Loan.

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  • No co-signer is required.
  • No credit check is required.

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