An unsubsidized student loan is a type of federal student loan that is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of financial need. Here are some key features of unsubsidized student loans:
-
Interest: Unlike subsidized loans, the federal government does not pay the interest on unsubsidized loans while the borrower is in school or during other periods of nonpayment. Interest begins to accrue as soon as the loan is disbursed.
-
Eligibility: Eligibility for unsubsidized loans is determined by the cost of attendance minus other financial aid, such as grants or scholarships.
-
Loan Limits: Unsubsidized loans have higher loan limits than subsidized loans, but the exact amount a student can borrow depends on their year in school and whether they are a dependent or independent student.
-
Repayment: Borrowers are responsible for paying the interest that accrues on unsubsidized loans during all periods, including in-school, deferment, and grace periods. Borrowers can choose to pay the interest as it accrues or defer paying the interest until the loans enter repayment.
Its important to note that unsubsidized loans are generally less "expensive" in the long run than subsidized loans, but borrowers should still be careful about taking on too much debt.