Federal Direct Stafford Loans

Answer 1

For many students looking to attend a post-secondary institution, the mountainous costs of attendance and tuition can seem to be insurmountable obstacles; however, due to federal and state loan programs, students can borrow easy, affordable money. One such program initiated by William D. Ford called the Direct Stafford Loan was created for the sole purpose of providing students with affordable, low-interest loans to facilitate attendance to an institution of higher education. Direct Stafford Loans can be either subsidized or unsubsidized.

Direct Subsidized Loans are primarily for students with a need for financial assistance, which the school reviews by looking at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Subsidized loans do no accumulate interest while in school, and there is a generous grace and deferment periods after leaving or graduating from school.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans, on the other hand, are not given in conjunction with financial need, and interest accrues during school and periods of grace, deferment, and forbearance. Students can choose to pay off this interest during school, or allow it be capitalizedor added to the total loan amountwhich will increase the total amount needed to be paid.

To apply for Direct Stafford Loans, students must complete the FAFSA, which can be found online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, as soon as possible. Schools will then look at a student's eligibility on an individual basis. Although Stafford Loans are issued by the U.S. Department of Education, not all institutions accept them.

For dependent undergraduate students, the maximum amount that can be borrowed from the Stafford Loan Program for four years is $31,000; for independent students, this number is raised to $57,500. Graduate students may borrow a total of $138,500. For undergraduate students borrowing between July 2011 and June 2012, the interest rates are fixed at 3.4%, compared to 6.8% for graduate students.

Rising debt for graduates has risen drastically, leaving many people unable to repay these loans. Although students should make sure they need a loan before accepting it, Direct Stafford Loans are much more affordable than other outside, private loans, and should be chosen as a first option if loans are a necessity for paying for college.