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What are the Stafford Loan interest rates?
-
Fixed interest rate - as low as 5.6%
- No payments while in school at least half-time
The Federal Stafford Loan always has the best rate, terms and benefits compared to other student loan programs. Interest rates for all new Stafford Loans are fixed and can be deferred while you are in school. You may choose to pay the interest every month or you can defer it until you graduate. If you choose to defer your interest it will be capitalized and added to your loan balance.
The interest rates for the 2009-2010 academic year are 5.60% for undergraduate subsidized loans and 6.80% for undergraduate unsubsidized loans. Please see the chart below that highlights Stafford Loan interest rates through 2013.
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Stafford Loan Interest Rates
Note: Graduate Stafford Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized) have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% through 2013.
| Academic Year | Subsidized Rates | Unsubsidized/Graduate Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-10 | 5.60% | 6.80% |
| 2010-11 | 4.50% | 6.80% |
| 2011-12 | 3.40% | 6.80% |
| 2012-13 | 6.80% | 6.80% |
| Current Stafford Loan interest rates in effect from 07/01/2009 to 06/30/2010 | ||
Get ahead on your degree. Take online classes.
Is there a course that you were not able to fit in to your schedule last semester? Do you want to get ahead with your course work? Are you hoping to graduate early? Online classes are a great opportunity to meet your academic goals and still balance your education with real life demands.
Check out our financial aid forum to post questions and engage in conversation with peers and industry leading financial aid experts.
Stafford Loan Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I eligible for a Stafford Loan?
- How do I apply for a Stafford Loan?
- Are there Stafford Loan deadlines?
- What's the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized loans?
- When do I receive the Stafford Loan funds?
- What are the Stafford Loan interest rates?
- How much can I borrow under a Stafford Loan?
- What is EFC and how is it calculated?
- What can I use a Stafford Loan for?
- Are there specific schools that accept Stafford Loans?
- Why did I receive less than what I thought I would receive in Stafford Loan funds?
- Do I have to apply for a Stafford Loan every academic year?
- Can I receive a Stafford Loan if I have bad credit/declared bankruptcy/have late payments on credit cards?
- How can I bridge the financial gap between the total cost of education (including room and board, fees, books) and the amount of financial aid I was awarded?
- Will I pay any fees for a Stafford Loan?
- What are the repayment options for a Stafford Loan?
- What are the penalties for early payment or if the loan is paid in full before scheduled (deferred) payments begin?
- What are the Stafford Loan cancellation policies?
