Direct Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
The Federal Direct Stafford loan program allows students to borrow low-cost educational loans from the federal government. To be eligible for a Direct Stafford loan, students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at least half-time. Repayment of these loans begins 6 months after students leave school or fall below half-time enrollment. There are 2 types of Federal Direct Stafford loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. For detailed information about Direct Stafford loans, visit the U.S. Department of Education.
Subsidized Loan
The Subsidized Stafford Loan is need-based. Students must demonstrate need for this loan by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who qualify for Direct Subsidized loans are not charged interest while attending school at least half-time, during the six-month grace period (for loans first disbursed prior to July 1, 2012), and during deferments.
Unsubsidized Loan
Unsubsidized loan amounts are intended to help students that do not qualify for need-based aid or for whom need-based aid is not sufficient to meet educational expenses. For this loan, interest starts to accrue from the date of the disbursement.
*Many students receive both a Subsidized and an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for the same period. The total of your combined Stafford Loans may not exceed the annual loan limit. For more information go to Student Aid on the Web.
Origination Fee
There is a loan origination fee that is deducted from the loan before it is disbursed. Read more about fees here:
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-origination-fee
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates
Entrance Counseling
All students must complete Entrance Counseling. This is a preliminary step in the loan acceptance process that will help you understand your responsibilities regarding your loan before formally accepting terms and conditions for repayment in the Master Promissory Note (MPN) stated below. To complete Entrance Counseling please visit this website and complete this counseling online here.
*Please be advised both Entrance Counseling and the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be complete, otherwise your Direct loan will not disburse.
