Eligibility Criteria

1. Enrolled at least half-time
2. Not in default on another student loan
3. Must show financial need
4. U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
5. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Amounts and selection process

The exact amount will vary depending on financial need.

Annual subsidized Stafford Loan amounts
Undergraduate (dependent/independent), first year	$3,500
Undergraduate (dependent/independent), second year	$4,500
Undergraduate (dependent/independent), third year	$5,500
Undergraduate (dependent/independent), fourth year	$5,500
Cumulative subsidized Stafford Loan amounts (over 4 years)
Undergraduate (dependent/independent)	$23,000

Terms

For the 2013-14 academic year, the interest rate will be a fixed rate of 3.86 percent. No interest* accrues while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Standard repayment period is 10 years. A net 1.051 percent processing fee is deducted from the loan proceeds when the funds are disbursed.

*As of July 1, 2013, a first-time Federal Subsidized Student Loan borrower is no longer eligible for the Subsidized Student Loan program if he or she exceeds 150% published length of their program (measured in academic years).

For example, if you are enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s degree program, the maximum period for which you can receive Direct Subsidized Loans is 6 years (150% of 4 years = 6 years).

In addition, a borrower reaching the maximum time frame limit becomes ineligible for the interest subsidy benefits on all Federal Subsidized Loans disbursed to the borrower on or after July 1, 2013.

More information: Time Limitation on Direct Subsidized Loan Eligibility for First-Time Borrowers on or after July 1, 2013

Repayment begins six months after the last date of half-time enrollment.

Interest subsidy during the six-month grace period is eliminated for new Stafford Loans made on or after July 1, 2012, and before July 1, 2014. The repayment period still begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time, but interest that accrues during those six months will be payable by the student rather than be subsidized by the federal government.

Application Process

1. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
   
2. Eligible students will be notified to accept the Stafford Loan on CheckMarq.
3. Federal regulations require first-time borrowers to complete entrance counseling and an electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN) before disbursement of funds.

Renewal process

Award is renewed only if all necessary forms are filed each year and students continue to meet eligibility requirements. Students may not be required to complete entrance counseling and eMPN if these requirements were previously completed.