Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

FIT participates in the William D Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. A Stafford Loan is a federally-sponsored low-interest loan available to assist with educational expenses. The funds for this loan come directly from the Federal Department of Education. They will remain the lender for the life of the loan and the loan will not be sold.

Who is eligible for Direct Stafford Loans?

• A U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• A student admitted in a degree program
• A FAFSA must be completed and processed by the FIT Financial Aid Department

What steps need to be taken to receive a Direct Stafford Loan?

• Stafford loans are awarded and must be accepted online or you may complete and submit Financial Aid Department Stafford Loan Request Form
• Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentloans.gov.
• Complete an Entrance Counseling Session/Interview
• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per term in a degree program

Students must have completed the process of applying for financial aid by filing a FAFSA and other required documentation before loan requests will be processed. If students have not been awarded a Stafford Loan, they may request one through the Financial Aid Department Stafford Loan Request Form.

Subsidized Loans
Students who demonstrate financial need qualify for the subsidized loan, which means that the federal government pays the interest while the student is in school at least half-time (6 credits) and during the 6-month grace period. The interest rate for a subsidized Stafford Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 4.5 % for undergraduate student loans disbursed after July 1, 2010.  The subsidized Stafford Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 6.8 % for graduate student loans disbursed after July 1, 2010.

Unsubsidized Loans
Students who do not demonstrate financial need may be eligible for the unsubsidized loan, which means that they will be charged interest while in school, but may defer payment until completion of school. Interest is added on to the principal (capitalized) which increases the amount of the loan that needs to be repaid. Students are advised to pay the interest on the loan while in attendance, if they are able. The interest rate for unsubsidized loans is fixed at 6.8 % for loans disbursed after July 1, 2010.

Direct Stafford Loan Eligibility Chart

Subsidized Eligibility		Additional Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility
	Loan Limits	ALL Undergraduate Students	Dependant students whose parents were denied PLUS loans, Independent & Graduate students
Students
Freshman	$ 3,500	$ 2,000	$ 4,000
Sophomore	$ 4,500	$ 2,000	$ 4,000
Junior	$ 5,500	$ 2,000	$ 5,000
Senior	$ 5,500	$ 2,000	$ 5,000
Grad Student	$ 8,500	N/A	$ 12,000