The federal government will pay for the interest accruing on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time and through the six month grace period. Repayment of the loan typically begins after the six month grace period. At this point, the student becomes responsible for interest which accrues. The total amount borrowed must be repaid over the course of ten years. The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a low-interest guaranteed loan available to students regardless of financial need and income.
Students are responsible for all the interest which accrues on the loan.
Repayment of the loan and the interest can be deferred until after the six month grace period. In order to qualify for a Federal Stafford Loan, students must be registered at least half-time. Half-time status for graduate students is three credit hours per term. Students must be registered for all courses at the start of the semester in order for their credits to count toward half-time status for financial aid. Please take this into consideration when calculating the amount you need to borrow.