Stafford Loans are low-interest, federally regulated student loans made to domestic graduate students attending accredited programs at least half time.

The federal government has set loan limits at $8,500 per academic year in subsidized Stafford funds and $12,000 per academic year in unsubsidized Stafford funds. Students who do not qualify for the full-subsidized Stafford amount may receive an unsubsidized Stafford loan for the balance, not to exceed the "cost of education."

Repayment begins six months after you graduate or cease to be a half-time student. All origination fees will be deducted from the principal amount by the lender prior to disbursement of the loan funds.    

Subsidized Stafford Loans are based on demonstrated financial need as determined by a federal formula, using the information provided by an applicant on the FAFSA. With a subsidized Stafford loan, the federal government pays the interest on the loan while you are in school and during approved deferment periods.    

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not based on demonstrated need as determined by the federal formula. You are responsible for the interest that accrues during in-school, grace and approved deferment periods. You have the option to pay the interest or defer both the principal and the interest during the in-school, grace and deferment periods. If you defer making interest payments until after you graduate or you cease to be half-time, the accrued interest will be capitalized at repayment.  

Graduate PLUS Loan
Federal PLUS loans for graduate students can be used to cover up to 100 percent of your total cost of graduate education (tuition, books, food, housing, transportation) minus other financial aid you've been awarded.