<p>When is the time to apply for an unsubsidized Stafford loan? Will my son have to wait for any documentation from his college? Is there a defined application "season" with a certain start date or deadline? Does it vary from bank to bank? </p>
<p>We have submitted the FAFSA and CSS Profile, however they will be revised when our 2010 tax docs are final. We already know our EFC is sky high, so the paperwork is really just a formality. Unsub Stafford is all that matters in our case. </p>
<p>Since Son will be home for spring break next week, I don't want him to miss an opportunity to apply. Nor do I want him to find out it will be too late after Finals in May, if that's the case. Tuition is due Aug 1.</p>
<p>I've looked for dates on this site and finaid.org. But I don't see info about when to go to the bank. </p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>I am pretty sure it is handled through the college’s financial aid office. Stafford loans - both subsidized and unsubsidized - are a Federal program. Private banks are no longer part of the process. Contact Fin Aid office and let them know you want the maximum available unsubsidized Stafford loan - and then it will be there on your award letter in June. Student has to do on-line loan counseling and sign the master promissory note - done on line - takes maybe 30 minutes - can do it in June.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the information. The process you describe sounds easy. </p>
<p>Since I’m expecting a “sorry, we can’t help you” letter based on our EFC, I assumed the whole unsub stafford process had to be handled without involvement from the Financial Aid office. The online process and June timeline are good news.</p>
<p>Sent you a PM also with the appropriate link.</p>