Graduate Student Loans

What Are My Options For Graduate Student Loans

With graduate student loans, your student loan options are similar to those of undergraduate student loans, the difference being that graduate student loans often have higher loan amount limits. There are three main sources for graduate student loans: federal graduate student loans, private graduate student loans, and graduate student loans that are specific to the program of study.

What Are Graduate Stafford Student Loans

Much like undergraduate Stafford student loans, Graduate Stafford student loans are Federal student loans, the difference being that for a graduate student the borrowing limits for the Stafford student loan are going to be higher to compete with the inflated cost of graduate school. Since Graduate Stafford student loans are federally regulated student loans, most students choose to exhaust the amount they can get from these student loans before they apply for private student loans. Graduate Stafford student loans come in two different types, subsidized and unsubsidized.

Difference Between Subsidized And Unsubsidized Stafford Graduate Loans

The main difference between a subsidized Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan and an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan is who pays the interest on the loan while you are attend college. With unsubsidized Federal Stafford Student loans the borrower is responsible for all of the interest that accrues on the loan while you are in school. Once you graduate, all of the deferred interest that has been accruing while you were attending school will then be added to the principle of the loan. For subsidized Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loans, the federal government will pay the interest on the loan while you attend college, and during the deferment period(s).

Am I Eligible For A Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan

To be eligible for a Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan the government requires that the college student be enrolled at least as a part time student in a program of study. In order to apply for the Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan you must first complete a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. After you have completed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) your college will notify you regarding your eligibility for a Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan. Once your eligibility is confirmed you are going to have to complete what is called a "Master Promissory Note", plus any other documents your particular school requires. After your eligibility for your Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan has been confirmed by your school, it is best to contact your schools Financial Aid Department so you can find out your schools exact requirements for the completion of your Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loan.

What Are Graduate PLUS Student Loans

Federal Graduate PLUS Student Loans are an option for graduate students, when their Federal Stafford Graduate Student Loans do not cover all of their education expenses. Graduate PLUS loans are federally sponsored student loans, however unlike other federal student loan programs, borrowers will be required to pass a credit check for these type of loans. Graduate students are eligible for a Federal Graduate PLUS Student Loans if they comply with the following:

1. Are enrolled in a college as at least a part time student
2. Will submit to a credit check
3. Are a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen.
4. Fill out and submit a FAFSA application

What Are Graduate Student Loans For Specific Fields Of Study

Graduate Student Loans for Specific Fields of Study are graduate student loans that are tailored to meeting the specific needs of the graduate program the student is entering. Some examples of Graduate Student Loans for Specific Fields of Study are MBA Loan Programs, Dental School Loans, Medical School Loans, Business School Loans, Law School Loans, and Nursing School Loans.

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