What is an Unsubsidized Student Loan?
An unsubsidized student loan can be awarded to all eligible applicants, regardless of their financial status. However, most students prefer subsidized loans because of their benefits.
Subsidized vs unsubsidized student loan
Subsidized grants are provided by the federal government, under the Department of Education. With subsidized loans, the interest payment is paid by the government while the student is still attending school until a designated amount of time.
In contrast, unsubsidized loans hold the borrower responsible for all interest accrued on the loan, including grace and deferment periods. Additionally, students with these loans are required to pay interest, whether or not they attend school. Students can apply for deferments while in school, and the interest of the loan becomes part of the total balance. If approved, he or she will only start paying the interest after the grace period ends.
Federal Unsubsidized Student Loans
Typically, all private student loans are unsubsidized. Hence, the most common ones can be acquired through the federal government. These are:
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans (TEACH) (converted from TEACH Grants)
- Unsubsidized Federal Consolidation Loans
- Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loans
Student Loans
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- What are the Consequences of Defaulting on a Federal Student Loan?
- What Happens when You Default on a Private Student Loan?
- Federal vs. Private: Comparing Student Loan Interest Rate
- Can You Get a Private Student Loan with No Cosigner?