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When do I receive the Stafford Loan funds?
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Fixed interest rate - as low as 5.6%
- No payments while in school at least half-time
Your lender will disburse your Stafford Loan funds directly to your school in two installments – usually in the fall and winter semesters. Each school has a different policy on when they release the funds to you. Most schools credit your account once you submit the Stafford Loan promissory note, but do not actually disburse the funds to you until mid semester. The reason for this is to ensure that you are attending your classes and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Once the school disburses the funds your loan money will be used to pay your tuition and fees. If you have funds left over, your school will credit your account or pay you directly based on your school's policy.
If you have questions about the policy at your school, check with someone at the financial aid office for further details.
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?
