Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

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

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for a Direct Stafford Loan if:

• you are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and
• you are a student admitted to a degree program and
• you have submitted a FAFSA to be processed by FIT Financial Aid Services

Types of Direct Stafford Loans

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).

Academic Year 2024-2025

The interest rate for a subsidized Direct Stafford Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 6.53% for undergraduate student loans disbursed after July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. A federal origination fee of 1.057% will be subtracted from the disbursed amount of the subsidized Stafford loan (for loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2025).

Unsubsidized Loans - Undergraduate

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. Upon entering repayment, 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.

Academic Year 2024-2025

The interest rate for a subsidized Direct Stafford Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 6.53% for undergraduate student loans disbursed after July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. A federal origination fee of 1.057%  will be subtracted from the disbursed amount of the unsubsidized Stafford loan (for loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2025).

Unsubsidized Loans - Graduate/Professional

Graduate and Professional students are eligible for 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.

Academic Year 2024-2025

The interest rate for an unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 8.08% for graduate student loans disbursed after July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. A federal origination fee of 1.057%  will be subtracted from the disbursed amount of the unsubsidized Stafford loan (for loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2025).

How to Apply

1. Completed the financial aid application process by filing a FAFSA and other required documentation.
2. If you are not awarded a Direct Stafford Loan, request one using the Direct Stafford Loan Request Form,  or email the FIT Loan team at [email protected] , we will only accept a request from your FIT email.
3. Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
4. Complete an Entrance Counseling Session/Interview.
5. Enroll in at least six credit hours per term in your degree program.

Loan Amount Eligibility