
While Stafford (William D. Ford Federal Direct) Loans must eventually be repaid, they can provide you with the funds needed to finance your higher education. Direct Loans are offered at relatively low interest rates and with good repayment arrangements. Before you take out a loan, be sure to develop a budget to make sure you borrow only what you need. For more student loan information (interest rates, repayment and more), visit the Department of Education.
Difference between subsidized and unsubsidized
Annual loan limits
Aggregate loan limits
Repayment
Advantages of Direct Loans
Graduate PLUS Loan Program
How to apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan
Difference between subsidized and unsubsidized
If you are borrowing a Direct Loan you may be awarded a subsidized or unsubsidized loan depending on your financial need.
| Need-Type | Basis of Award |
| Subsidized | |
| Unsubsidized | Student does not have financial need. |
If you are awarded a subsidized loan, interest will not accrue on your loan while you are enrolled at least half-time. If you are awarded an unsubsidized loan, you will be responsible for the interest while in school. You will receive quarterly interest statements on your unsubsidized loan from your lender. It is recommended that you pay this interest every quarter. If you do not, the interest will be added to your loan amount, which will result in your paying interest upon interest.
| Annual Loan Limits | |||
| Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Total | |
| Graduate and Professional Students | $8,500 | $12,000 | *$20,500 |
| Aggregate Loan Limits | |||
| Aggregate Limits | Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Total |
| Graduate | $65,000 | $73,500 | $138,500 |
You must begin repayment of your student loan, once you:
The Graduate PLUS Loan Program may be of interest to you as a graduate student needing additional assistance to cover educational costs after all other federal loans have been exhausted. The program offers a non-need based federal loan with a fixed 7.9% interest rate. Grad PLUS Loans allow you as a graduate student to borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you are receiving.
We encourage you to consider your options before accruing additional loan debt. For more information on the Federal Grad PLUS Loan as compared with the federal subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, as well as the average loan indebtedness of Grad PLUS borrowers at Texas State, view the Grad PLUS Loan Comparison Chart.
How to apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan
Below are the steps that you will need to take in order to be awarded a Graduate (Grad) PLUS Loan and have the funds processed:
To determine how your Grad PLUS funds will be disbursed, visit Receive My Aid.