Stafford Loans
Other Student Loans
Financial Aid Help
Online Degrees
Student Credit Cards
College Search
Undergraduate Stafford Loans
-
Fixed interest rate - as low as 4.5%
- No payments while in school at least half-time
Undergraduate Stafford Loans are fixed-rate student loans for undergraduate students attending a college or university that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Stafford loans can be used to pay tuition, and other eligible school expenses. Stafford loans are not based on credit, and they can be subsidized or unsubsidized depending on the student's financial need.
Subsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan while you are in school at least half time, or during any future deferment periods. The federal government "subsidizes" (or pays) the interest during these times.
Click Here to Request Stafford Loan Information
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans that are not based on financial need. Interest will accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school, but can be deferred until 6 months after graduation.
Undergraduate Stafford Loan Benefits
- Low fixed interest rate, as low as 4.50%
- Increased limits - up to $12,500 per year depending on degree status and years in school
- No payments while enrolled in school
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, housing, etc.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 07/01/2010 to 06/30/2011 | ||
Click Here to Request Stafford Loan Information
Stafford Loan Limits
| Dependent Students | Annual Loan Limits |
|---|---|
| First Year | $5,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized) |
| Second Year | $6,500 ($4,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized) |
| Third Year and Beyond | $7,500 ($5,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized) |
| Independent Students | Annual Loan Limits |
|---|---|
| First Year | $9,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$6,000 unsubsidized) |
| Second Year | $10,500 ($4,500 subsidized/$6,000 unsubsidized) |
| Third Year and Beyond | $12,500 ($5,500 subsidized/$7,000 unsubsidized) |
| Graduate or Professional | $20,500 ($8,500 subsidized/$12,000 unsubsidized) |
| Lifetime Limits | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Dependent | $31,000 (Up to $23,000 may be subsidized) |
| Undergraduate Independent | $57,500 |
| Graduate or Professional |
$138,500 (Up to $65,000 may be subsidized)
or $224,000 (for Health Professionals) |
| For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008. | |
Click Here to Request Stafford Loan Information
Scholarship Resources for Students
Students should always remember to search for scholarships before applying for financial aid. Student Loan Network has two great free scholarship resources - Scholarship Search Secrets, a 40+ page eBook on how to find scholarships and ScholarshipPoints, a website where students earn points and win free scholarships!
