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Peterson's Financial Aid Channel

Federal Loan Program Comparison

Common Questions
Perkins
Federal or Direct Stafford
PLUS
Do I need to complete a FAFSA? Yes Yes Depends on financial aid office policy
Do I need to demonstrate financial need to be eligible? Yes Yes for Subsidized
No for Unsubsidized
No
Is this a fixed or variable rate loan? Fixed Variable Variable
What is the current interest rate? 5% In college: 2.77%
In repayment: 3.37%
4.17%
When does the rate change? Rate does not change Yearly on July 1 Yearly on July 1
What is the maximum interest rate? 5% 8.25% 9.00%
Who is the borrower of the loan? Student Student Parent
Is this a credit-based loan? No No Yes
Are there any origination fees or other upfront fees? No Up to 4% origination and guarantee fees Up to 4% origination and guarantee fees
When does the loan enter repayment? Nine months after student leaves college or enrolls less than half-time Six months after student leaves college or enrolls less than half-time Sixty days after final disbursement of loan
What is the standard repayment period? Ten years Ten years Ten years
Is there a penalty for early repayment No No No
What is the minimum monthly payment? $40 $50 $50
Is the interest tax deductible? Yes Yes Yes

Peterson's College Planner
Did You Know?

According to a recent article in the NY Times, Assets in 529 college savings plans have grown to $75.3 billion, up from $8.5 billion in 2001.

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