The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) is meant to help students and parents, regardless of income to pay for post-secondary education. There are three types of loans available through this program that offer low interest, flexible repayment and do not require any collateral.  These education loans are known as (1) Subsidized Stafford (need-based), (2) Unsubsidized Stafford (non-need based) and (3) Parent Loans (PLUS). All the above  loans require the student to attend an eligible college, university, technical or vocational school on an at least half-time basis.

There are many factors to determine the kind of aid you  qualify for. The only way to know what you qualify for (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent Loans) is to apply via the federal form called the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

The first step in the process to apply for Federal Student Aid using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  is either through  the internet  or in  the paper form.  The paper form  is available through  Education Loan Department, at all high school guidance counselor offices, University and College financial aid offices. The paper form takes approximately 6-8 weeks to process, the Internet process takes approximately two weeks. Once you submit  FAFSA  the same is processed by the processor and  a Student Aid Report is sent to the schools that you indicated on the form. Once the school receives that information, an "Award Letter" is issued  to you mentioning the various forms of aid that you qualify for. Included may be grants, scholarships, work-study, and the loans you qualify for i.e. the Subsidized Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford and/or Parent Loan.

All Students qualify for Stafford Loans.  There are two types of Stafford Loans,(a) need-based Stafford Loans which are subsidized.  The Government pays interest on the loans  and the non-need based "Unsubsidized" Stafford Loan. The Government does not pay the interest on these loans.  The student is suppose to pay the interest.

Parents (or legal guardians) of dependent undergraduate students, regardless of income, may borrow funds through PLUS loan. They can borrow up to full cost of education less any other aid received by the student )per child per academic year).  Parents  having adverse credit history  will not be eligible for a PLUS loan. To receive a PLUS loan, they will be required to pass a credit check. If they do not pass the credit check, they might still be able to receive a loan if someone, such as a relative or friend who is able to pass, agrees to co-sign the loan, promising to repay it if your parents should fail to do so.

Maximum Loan Amounts (per academic year)

Cumulative Stafford Loan Amount for Undergraduate: $46,000 (with no more than $23,000 in Subsidized Stafford)

Cumulative Stafford Loan Amount for Graduate/Professional, including Undergraduate Loans: $138,500 (with no more than $65,500 in Subsidized Stafford)

Repayment of Stafford Loans: payments begin six months after graduation, leaving the school or drop below half-time.

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