LO 8.2.1: Recommend an education funding strategy that utilizes loans, scholarships, grants, and work study efficiently. Flashcards
Federally Funded Loans
Directly from the U.S. Dept. of Education, under Direct Loan Program
How can federally funded loans be dispersed to the student?
Loans used to pay for education expenses may be dispersed directly to the student (direct student loans) or disposed by the institution (campus-based aid)
Can most loans be used for either undergraduate or graduate study?
Yes.
Stafford Loans
- Known as William D. Ford Direct Stafford Loans
- Common type of loan
- Offer direct subsidized and direct unsubsidized loans
Are Stafford Loans need-based?
Subsidized Stafford loans are need-based — If a student qualifies for a loan based on financial need, the loan generally will be subsidized.
What is the subsidy in a subsidized Stafford Loan?
Subsidy takes the form of the gov’t paying the interest due while the student is in school and during 6 months following graduation
When is interest on a Stafford Loan due and what are the rates?
- Unsubsidized loans have interest due within 60 days of disbursement of the money
See p. 280 Figure 8.1: 2019-2020 Stafford Loan Interest Rates - Directed subsidized loans (undergraduates): 4.53%
- Direct unsubsidized loans (undergraduates): 4.53%
- Direct unsubsidized loans (graduate or professional students: 6.08%
Can students defer payments on a Stafford Loan while in school?
Yes, A student may defer payments on the loan, but interest usually continues to accrue and will increase the total amount payable when repayment begins
Can students pay interest only while in school?
Yes, while in school, the student may pay interest only
What are federal loan interest rates tied to?
- Financial markets
- Each spring, interest rates are determined for new loans being made for the upcoming award year which runs Jun 1 to next June 30
- Each loan will have a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan
Stafford Loans | What is the normal repayment period?
- 10 years
* But various repayment options, and repayment term extensions may be available
Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS loans)
- Parents may borrow funds for their children’s undergraduate studies
- Amount that can be borrowed is unlimited, except the total of all aid received cannot be higher than cost of schooling.
Are part-time students eligible for PLUS loans?
No, Part-time students are not eligible for PLUS funds.
Are students enrolled in programs shorter than an academic year eligible for PLUS loans?
May be eligible for reduced loan amounts.
Are graduate students eligible for PLUS loans?
Yes, Graduate and professional students can borrow money directly (i.e., for themselves) through the Grad PLUS loan program.
Are PLUS loans need based?
No, these loans are NOT need-based.
What is the interest rate of PLUS loans?
The interest rate charged in 2019-2020 is fixed at 7.08% (prior to this, the rate had been variable but could not exceed 9.0%)
When does PLUS loan repayment begin?
- Begins 60 days of distribution
- Although may be delayed until the student is out of school, the interest on the loan continues to build during this time.
What is the source of PLUS loans?
Private lenders (as with Stafford loans)
Are origination fees charged on PLUS Loans?
Yes.