Direct Stafford Loans

These student loans are government insured loans, which are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are issued based on need, with no interest charged while the student is enrolled. Repayment starts after graduation or when a student drops below half-time at the university. Unsubsidized loans carry interest from the time of disbursement.

Generally, an eligible graduate student may borrow a maximum of $8,500 per academic year in subsidized Stafford loans, up to $65,500 in total including graduate and undergraduate subsidized loans. Amounts can be increased by the addition of unsubsidized loans. There are limits to the total debt you may have outstanding from all Stafford loans, undergraduate and graduate.

To be considered for Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, students need to file the FAFSA.