Federal Stafford Loans are available to
eligible students that have completed the FAFSA. The
Federal Stafford Loan is divided into two parts 1) subsidized
and 2) unsubsidized. The difference is that the subsidized
portion, the federal government pays the interest on
the loan while the student is in school (enrolled at
least half time). The unsubsidized portion, the interest
begins to accrue at the time of disbursement. You can
choose to pay the interest as it accrues or allow it
to accumulate.
Qualifying students can receive up to
$8500 in subsidized and $10,000 in unsubsidized loans,
for a total of $18,500 every two semesters, i.e. fall/spring,
spring/summer, or summer/fall.
The interest rate is variable and is
tied to the 91 day U.S.Treasury Bill + 1.7% (in school)
and +2.3 % during repayment. The interest rate is
capped, by law, at 8.25%.
Borrowers receive a six month grace
period after graduating, withdrawing from school,
or if their enrollment drops below half time status.
Total debt for all Federal Stafford
Loans, including undergraduate loans is $138,500.