Summary: Direct Unsubsidized Loans (sometimes called Unsubsidized Stafford Loans) are federal student loans borrowed through the Direct Loans program that offer undergraduate and graduate and professional students a low, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Demonstrated financial need is not required to qualify. Students are responsible for paying all of the interest that adds up, until the loan balance is paid off. Show
What is a Direct Unsubsidized Loan?Direct Unsubsidized Loans (sometimes called Unsubsidized Stafford Loans) are low-cost, fixed-rate federal student loans available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Financial need is not required, so even students from wealthier families can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Key Benefits:
How to Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Direct Unsubsidized Loan EligibilityMost students who qualify for federal aid are eligible to take out a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Your family’s financial circumstances do not matter. Even wealthy families can qualify. Required:
Not Required:
Direct Unsubsidized Loan Interest RatesThe interest rates on Direct Unsubsidized Loans are fixed and do not change over the life of the loan. Every year on July 1, interest rates reset for new loans first disbursed on or after July 1. Private Student Loan Rates Variable rates starting at: 2.49% APR Fixed rates starting at: 3.75% APR Lowest APRs shown for Private Student Loans are available for the most creditworthy applicants for undergraduate loans, and include a 0.25% interest rate reduction while enrolled in automatic payments. Interest rates as of September 15, 2022. Federal Student Loan Rates For loans first disbursed July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 The interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan starts to add up (accrue) from the date the loan is first disbursed. If you don’t pay the interest as it accrues, it will be capitalized (added to the loan balance) when you enter repayment, increasing the size of the loan. Direct Unsubsidized Loan FeesThe current fee (Oct. 1, 2022 - Sept. 30, 2023) on Direct Loans is 1.057%. Fees are deducted from each loan disbursement. You can ask the college financial aid office to increase the loan amount to cover the fees, up to the annual loan limit. Direct Loan Limits: How Much You Can BorrowThe amount you can borrow from the Direct Loans program is subject to annual and aggregate loan limits:
The following graphic outlines the various loan limits for different types of students, and annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans. I am a dependent undergraduate student. How can I get my loan limits increased?Dependency OverrideIf you have unusual family circumstances (such as a parent in prison), contact your school’s financial aid office and ask for a dependency override to get independent student limits. Parent PLUS Loan DenialIf your parent is denied for a Parent PLUS Loan, you become eligible for the same loan limits as independent students. Contact your school’s financial aid office for details. Loan limits are also capped at the college’s annual cost of attendance. The cost of attendance includes:
How Loan Funds are DistributedIf you are a first-time Direct Loans borrower, you will be required to attend entrance counseling before your loan funds are sent to your school (disbursed). Some schools require in-person counseling, but many offer online counseling. You will learn about the loan terms and requirements during the counseling session. You will also be required to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before the loans can be disbursed. Instantly Compare Lenders The Direct Loan program sends the funds to your school to be credited to your student account. In most cases, the loan will be sent (disbursed) in at least two installments. Special reminder: There is typically a 30-day delay in disbursing student loans to first-time, first-year borrowers. Loan funds are credited to your account in this order:
If any loan funds remain in your account, the credit balance will be refunded to you by check, cash, debit card, or electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your bank account. Remember, the refund must be used to pay for your direct and indirect education expenses, such as textbooks, supplies, and equipment. Read our blog on financial aid disbursement for more details. In-School Deferment and Grace PeriodWhile you are enrolled in school at least half-time, your Direct Loans will be placed into deferment, which means you don’t have to make any payments. In addition, you don’t have to make payments during the 6-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment status. The interest on your Direct Unsubsidized Loans will start to accrue (add up) as soon as all of the loan funds are sent to your school. Even though you aren’t making any payments, interest is still adding up. RepaymentThe standard repayment term on Direct Loans is 10 years. However, you can qualify for a longer repayment term if you consolidate the loans or have more than $30,000 in federal student loans. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are eligible for all of the different repayment plans offered by the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible repayment plans:
Further ReadingFor more information, read our complete guide to federal undergraduate student loans. Recommendations
Learn More About Federal Student LoansUndergraduate Student Loans Subsidized Student Loans Comparing Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans Eligibility Requirements Interest Rates Loan Limits Health Professions Student Loans What does federal direct loan unsubsidized mean?Direct Unsubsidized Loans (sometimes called Unsubsidized Stafford Loans) are low-cost, fixed-rate federal student loans available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Financial need is not required, so even students from wealthier families can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
What happens if you don't pay unsubsidized loan?Unfortunately, there can be many negative consequences of failing to make your student loan payments, including wage garnishment, a drop in your credit score or a suspension of your professional license.
Will federal unsubsidized loans be forgiven?Nearly every type of federal student loan qualifies for forgiveness, including direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans and graduate or parent PLUS loans.
Do you have to pay unsubsidized loans while in college?If you have a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you have the option to pay interest while you are in school, or you can wait until you are no longer enrolled. Our office recommends that you pay the interest to minimize your loan debt.
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