Federal Stafford Loans
The Federal Direct Stafford Loan program is available to all students who are eligible to file a FAFSA. If financial need is demonstrated, the government will pay the interest on a student’s subsidized loan while the student is enrolled at least part-time. Students who do not demonstrate financial need will be responsible for interest from the day the unsubsidized loan is disbursed.
Both the subsidized and unsubsidized loans are eligible for payment deferment while the student is enrolled at least part-time. Students borrowing Federal Direct Stafford Loans have the same terms and conditions and interest rates as loans borrowed under the FFEL Program and will be offered loan fee rebates, more repayment plan choices and additional loan forgiveness options. For complete information on Federal Stafford Loans, including origination fees, visit studentaid.ed.gov
Maximum Federal Stafford Loan amounts
| Federal Stafford Loan | Additional Unsubsidized Loans for Independent Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Freshmen 0-29 hours |
$3,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized | $4,000 |
| Sophomore 30-59 hours |
$4,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized | $4,000 |
| Junior 60-89 hours |
$5,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized | $5,000 |
| Senior 90+ hours |
$5,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized | $5,000 |
| Graduate/ Professional Students |
- | $20,500 (all are eligible) |
Interest rates for Federal Stafford loans first disbursed between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021
- Undergraduate Subsidized = 2.75%
- Undergraduate Unsubsidized = 2.75%
- Parent Plus 5.3%
- Graduate/Law/SSOM unsubisidized=4.3%
- Graduate PLUS= 5.3%
Once a financial aid award is available, students can view loan amounts offered and scheduled disbursement dates by clicking on View Financial Aid in the Student Center portion of LOCUS. Once all requirements have been met and the loans disburse, the funds will apply toward applicable charges on the student account. Any excess funds will be refunded to the student by The Office of the Bursar. This typically occurs 3-5 business days after the excess credit is created.
To reduce of cancel a loan after the funds disburse, the student must submit the Financial Aid Award Adjustment Request form within 30 days from the time the loan disburses. Similarly, a parent must submit the Parent PLUS Adjustment Request form within 30 days from the time of disbursement. All loan forms can be found here.
Lifetime aggregate limits
| Dependent Undergraduate | Independent Undergraduate | Graduate/ Professional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan | $23,000 | $23,000 | $65,500 |
Total Federal Stafford Loan |
$31,000 | $57,500 | $138,500 |
For additional information and requirements, see our Loan Specifics page.
For more information about your loan options, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 773.508.7704 or lufinaid@luc.edu.
