When would I have to start paying for my federal college loans?

Paying for College
1

<p>I was looking into my financial aid estimate that I could recieve and saw that if I took a subsidized loan of 3000 I would only need to pay a little out of my pocket for the direct costs of the university. But, I still do not understand when would I need to pay the loan off? I have heard that I can start paying it after I graduate; but is this true?</p>

2

<p>You are not required to make payments on Stafford Loans until 9 months after you graduate or withdraw from school.</p>

<p>You may make payments to the loan while in college, if you choose.</p>

3

<p>Oh that helped me calmed down thanks, so I can start making payments even if I’m still a freshmen.</p>

4

<p>For direct/stafford loans it’s 6 months after you graduate or drop below half time. (9 months is true for Perkins loans). </p>

<p>Also, for a subsidized direct/Stafford loan, the govt pays the interest until you graduate or drop below half time.</p>

5

<p>@ swimcatsmom</p>

<p>Thanks for the clarification on the months. I confused myself for a bit.</p>

<p>@ universtudent</p>

<p>Yes, you can start making payments as soon as you wish after dispersement of loans.</p>

6

<p>Go to the Stafford Loan site and educate yourself. It will help you. There are things not yet mentioned in this thread that may help.</p>

7

<p>I believe, if you pay it back within 90 days, it is considered as a return and you get the 1% fee back and maybe some interest if it is a subsidized loan.</p>

8

<p>So my daughter has Stafford loans and will graduate this May. But she will start a PhD program in August. </p>

<p>Does she have to start paying them back 9 months after she completes her undergrad degree or does she have until 9 months after she completes her PhD?</p>

9

<p>She can request (she will need to contact her lender) a deferral on her repayment. The deferral will remain in effect so long as she’s a full time student in her PhD program.</p>

<p><a href=“http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/deferment-forbearance[/url]”>http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/deferment-forbearance&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Whether or not her interest will kick in depends on what kind of loan she has.</p>