What is a federal Stafford loan? What is the difference between a federal Stafford Subsidized and a Stafford Unsubsidized loan?
A Federal Stafford Loan is a low interest rate loan for students that can be used to help pay for your college education. If you meet certain financial need criteria (based upon information supplied on your FAFSA), the federal government will pay the interest on your Subsidized Federal Stafford loan while you attend school at least half time or during times when you qualify for an authorized deferment. If you do not meet the financial need criteria (based upon information supplied on your FAFSA) to qualify for a Subsidized loan, you still can receive an Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loan. You are responsible for paying the interest while you are in school. If you do not want to make the interest payments, the interest can be added to your principal balance through a process called capitalization. With either the Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, repayment on the principal begins six months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time status.
Related Questions
- What is the difference between the Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan?
- What is the difference between a Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan and an Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan?
- What is the difference between Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan?
