Stafford Loan Interest Rates

Stafford Loan Benefits:
  • Fixed interest rate - as low as 5.6%
  • No payments while in school at least half-time

Stafford Loan interest rates, terms and stafford loan benefits are usually the best 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.

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 the Money You Need with a Private Student Loan

  • Cover additional costs not met by other financial aid
  • Borrow up to the cost of attendance and pay for tuition, supplies, housing, etc.