Direct Unsubsidized Loans for Students – See Application Details

– Direct Unsubsidized Loans – 

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are funds available for eligible undergraduate and graduate students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college and the university.

What is a Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Direct Unsubsidized Loans also known as Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are low-cost, fixed-rate federal student loans available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Financial need is not required, so even students from wealthier families can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans. 

How to Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA (for returning students) at StudentAid.gov.

2. Receive your financial aid award letter by mail or email from your school’s financial aid office.

This letter will summarize your available financial aid, including Direct Subsidized Loans (if eligible) and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

3. Contact your financial aid office to accept the financial aid, including student loans.

4. Sign any associated paperwork, such as the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Direct Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility

Most students who qualify for federal aid are eligible to take out a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Your family’s financial circumstances do not matter. Even wealthy families can qualify.

Required:

1. U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizen

2. Have received a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g., GED)

3. Enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree or certificate program

4. Not in default on any existing federal student loans

5. Meet general eligibility requirements for federal student aid

Not Required:

1. Credit check

2. Cosigner

3. Separate loan application

Direct Unsubsidized Loan Fees

The current fee (Oct. 1, 2021 – Sept. 30, 2022) on Direct Loans is 1.057%. However, they deduct fees from each loan disbursement.

You can ask the college financial aid office to increase the loan amount to cover the fees, up to the annual loan limit.

Direct Subsidized vs Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students and are low-interest loans that provide students with additional funds for college.

 They awarded these loans as either subsidized or unsubsidized (subsidized loan is only available for undergraduates). Both require the completion of the FAFSA.

Application for these loans must be completed prior to the last day of  Spring classes (or the last day of summer classes if you are attending the summer sessions).

SEE ALSO:

Direct Subsidized Loan

1. A need-based loan is available only for undergraduate students.

2. Made directly to the student at a fixed interest rate of 3.73% for undergraduate loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022.

3. Origination fee of 1.059% is deducted from each loan disbursement.

4. They deferred as long payments as it enrolled the student at least half-time (6 or more credit hours).

5. Repayment of interest and principal does not begin until six months after completion of full-time school.

6. Subsidized loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2012, will not be eligible for the interest subsidy during the 6-month grace period.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

1. Not based on showed need and available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

2. Interest accrues from disbursement. Made directly to the student at a fixed interest rate of 3.73% for undergraduates and 5.28% for graduate students for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2021.

3. Origination fee of 1.059% is deducted from each loan disbursement.

4. It deferred as long Payments as they enrolled the student at least half-time (6 or more credit hours for undergraduates and 4 or more credit hours for graduate students).

5. Repayment of accrued interest and principal does not begin until six months after completion of full-time school unless the student has opted to pay the interest as it is accruing.

They disbursed funds in two separate payments sent directly to the Bursar’s Office at the College, generally at the start of each semester.

The maximum Subsidized Loan that dependent undergraduates can borrow is $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 each year for juniors and seniors. 

All undergraduates are eligible for an additional $2000 of Unsubsidized Loan as of July 1st, 2008.

Independent students can borrow an additional $4,000 per year for each of the first two years and $5,000 for each of the last two years.

Graduate students may be eligible to borrow up to $20,500 in the unsubsidized loan, depending on their cost of attendance.

Aggregate Loan Limits

This represents the maximum total borrowing allowed under the Direct Sub/Unsubsidized loan program.

1. Dependent Undergraduates – $31,000 (only $23,000 may be subsidized)
2. Independent Undergraduates – $57,500 (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized)
3. Graduate Students – $138,500 (only $65,500 may be subsidized)

Direct Loan Limits: How Much You Can Borrow

The amount you can borrow from the Direct Loans program is subject to annual and aggregate loan limits:

1. Annual limits specify how much you can borrow each academic year.

2. Aggregate limits (also called cumulative limits) specify how much you can borrow through the loan program.

Subsidized  and Unsubsidized Student Loans

Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are distributed as part of the federal direct loan program.

However, if you meet the financial need requirements to qualify for subsidized loans, you’ll pay less over time than you would with unsubsidized loans.

That’s because while your subsidized loan for undergraduate study will carry the same interest rate as an unsubsidized loan, interest won’t accrue while you’re still in college and during other periods of nonpayment.

For this reason, it’s best to exhaust any subsidized loans you’re offered before taking out unsubsidized loans.

The Pros and Cons of Direct Subsidized Student Loans

The differences between subsidized and unsubsidized student loans are critical to understanding if you’re planning to take out student loans.

One big difference is that subsidized loans are awarded only two undergraduate students and are based on financial need and cannot exceed that amount.

Pros of Direct Subsidized Loans:

1. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans so long as you maintain at least half-time enrollment.

2. The government pays the interest during the six-month grace period after you graduate.

3. The government pays the interest during a period of deferment.

Cons of Direct Subsidized Loans:

1. Lower annual borrowing limits than unsubsidized loans.

2. Students won’t qualify if they can’t demonstrate financial need.

3. Graduate students don’t qualify for direct subsidized loans.

The Pros and Cons of Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans

Unlike subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans are available to all students regardless of need. If federal loans don’t cover all the costs, private student loans can also pay for education.

However, before signing for loans, really look at how much you’re borrowing and whether you need as much as you’re taking.

Pros of Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

1. Undergraduate and graduate students qualify for direct unsubsidized loans.

2. Students don’t need to show the financial need to apply.

Cons of Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

1. Loan limits are slightly higher for unsubsidized loans; as a result, many students borrow more than the actual cost of their tuition in order to cover fees and other education-related expenses.

2. Accepting more money than you need can add thousands of dollars to your total debt and make it more difficult to afford your future monthly payments.

3. Borrowers pay all interest accrued, beginning when the loan is issued.

4. You’re responsible for paying interest on unsubsidized loans at all times.

Similarities Between Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Both direct subsidized loans and direct unsubsidized loans are for students to help cover the cost of higher education. While there are important differences between each offering, there are key similarities.

‣ Eligibility:

To apply for either, students will need to fill out FASFA forms each year. After that, your school decides what federal aid you qualify for and then sends a financial aid package letter to you.

‣ Loan Fees:

Both loan offerings come with the same fees. 1.069% for loans disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2016, and before Oct. 1, 2017. 1.066% for loans disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2017, and before Oct. 1, 2018.

‣ Interest Rates:

According to the Federal Student Aid website, both options have a 4.45% interest rate (for undergraduates currently).

‣ Financial Aid Eligibility Period:

Both direct subsidized and direct unsubsidized loans have the same eligibility period. The longest is 150% of the length of the degree track they enrolled you in.

For example, you could qualify for six years of funding for a four-year undergraduate program.

How to Get Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans

To get a federal loan, first, submit the FAFSA. You’ll get a report detailing how much federal aid you’re entitled to. Be sure to first take all the grants and scholarships you’re offered in the report since it’s free money.

You’ll also want to accept any work-study you’re offered before you take on loans.

Each year you’re enrolled, your school will determine the amount you can borrow as well as the loan types you qualify for: subsidized or unsubsidized.

Taking on too much student loan debt may make repayment difficult after you graduate. It’s best to borrow only you expect to earn in your first year out of college.

Taking out Federal Loans vs. Private Loans

Borrow federal loans first: Private student loans often carry higher interest rates and require a co-signer if a student borrower has no credit history.

Both unsubsidized and subsidized federal loans also offer more borrower repayment plans and forgiveness options than private loans.

Consider private loans only if you still need to fill a payment gap to meet college costs. Compare all private loan options, including their interest rates and repayment and forbearance options, before you borrow.

Which to Borrow: Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans

Anyone can borrow unsubsidized federal loans, but those who qualify for the subsidized version save more money in interest.

	Subsidized	Unsubsidized
What you need to qualify	Must show financial need	Don’t have to show financial need
How much you can borrow	Lower loan limits compared with unsubsidized loans	Higher loan limits compared with subsidized loans
How interest works while you’re enrolled in college	Education Department pays interest	Interest accrues
Who can borrow	Undergraduate students only	Undergraduate and graduate or professional degree students

Why take out Direct Unsubsidized Loans?

You may find yourself turning to direct unsubsidized loans for a couple of reasons.

First, subsidized loans are only available to undergraduates who can show financial need.

That determination hinges on the cost of the school you’re attending. And information you provide about your income.

However, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA (see Part 1, If you must borrow for college, start with subsidized student loans.

Second, there are strict limits on how much you can borrow in subsidized loans.

Currently, you can take out $3,500 in subsidized loans as a freshman, $4,500 as a sophomore, and $5,500 a year when you’re junior or senior.

More Details

If you’re in a four-year degree program. Also, you can tap subsidized loans for six years. Therefore, there’s a $23,000 lifetime limit on subsidized direct loans for undergraduates.

Year	Dependent Students	Independent Students (Or Dependent Students Whose Parents Can’t get PLUS Loans)
First-year undergraduate annual loan limit	$5,500 ($3,500 in subsidized loans)	$9,500 ($3,500 of in subsidized loans)
Second-year undergraduate annual loan limit	$6,500 ($4,500 in subsidized loans)	$10,500 ($4,500 in subsidized loans)
Third-year and beyond undergraduate annual loan limit	$7,500 ($5,500 in subsidized loans)	$12,500 ($5,500 in subsidized loans)
Graduate or professional students annual loan limit	n/a	$20,500 (unsubsidized only)
Subsidized and unsubsidized aggregate loan limit	$31,000 ($23,000 in subsidized loans)	$57,500 for undergraduates ($23,000 in subsidized loans) $138,500 for graduate or professional students ($65,500 in subsidized loans). Graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study.

Graduate students and students who are independent of their parents (at least 24 years old, married, or active duty military, for example).

Also, can take out more unsubsidized direct loans up to $57,500 than undergraduates who depend on their parents, who can only borrow $31,000 at the moment.

How Much Can I Borrow With Federal Student Loans?

Generally known as Stafford Loans, these subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans are given to eligible students at thousands of colleges. universities and technical schools across the country.

Therefore, your school determines how much you can borrow based on a variety of factors, such as the cost of attendance and dependent status.

With slightly better terms designed to help lower-income students. Also, subsidized loans are generally the less expensive option.

READ ALSO:

How Do You Apply for Federal Student Loans?

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to apply for Direct Federal loans:

1. Fill out the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA (for returning students) online at FAFSA.ed.gov.

2. Your school’s financial aid office will mail or email a financial aid award letter to summarize your available financial aid.

This letter will include details about federal loans and other grant and work-study programs based on your eligibility and financial need.

3. Accept the financial aid and student loans by contacting your school’s financial aid office.

4. Review and sign any paperwork to secure your financial aid, such as the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for loans.

Student Loan Repayment

Before repayment begins, develop a plan that puts you on track to pay back your loan on time and in full.

Should I Refinance My Federal Student Loans into a Private Loan?

As a federal student loan borrower, you have certain rights that are not typically available from private loans.

While refinancing your federal student loans into a private student loan can sometimes lower your interest rate.

Also, your private student loan will not have the same terms and conditions as your federal student loan.

You should carefully review the terms of a private student loan before you give up the benefits available to federal student loans.

More Details

The following are some examples of benefits that you may lose if you refinance your federal student loan into a private student loan:

1. Access to temporary loan payment relief through approved periods (deferment or forbearance) when you do not have to make payments because of financial hardship, continuing your education, or military service

2. No interest accumulation on subsidized student loans during periods when payments are deferred

3. Access to repayment plans based on your income that provide loan forgiveness once you have been in repayment for 20 or 25 years

4. Access to various forms of loan forgiveness and discharge, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

However, teacher loan forgiveness, total and permanent disability discharge, and borrower defence to repayment discharge

What is Interest Capitalization on a Student Loan?

Interest capitalization occurs when unpaid interest is added to your principal student loan.

When the interest on your federal student loan is not paid as it accrues (during periods when you pay the interest). Also, your lender may capitalize on the unpaid interest.

This increases the outstanding principal amount due on the loan. They then charged interest on that higher principal balance.

Also, they increasing the overall cost of the loan (since interest will now be charged on the higher principal amount).

Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan Repayment

Grace Period

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will begin a one-time six month grace period before repayment begins.

Interest does not accrue on Direct Subsidized Loans disbursed after July 1, 2014, during the grace period.

Your federal loan servicer will notify you of the date your loan repayment begins and will provide further details about making payments.

Repayment Comparison Table

If you have a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you have the option to pay interest while you are in school. Or you can wait until you are no longer enrolled.

However, our office recommends that you pay the interest to minimise your loan debt. If you do not pay the interest, it will capitalize and be added to your total repayment amount.

The example below illustrates the benefits of paying the interest while you are in school.

	With Interest Capitalization	Without Interest Capitalization
	(interest not paid while in school)	(interest paid while in school)
Original Loan Balance	$10,000	$10,000
Capitalized Interest	$4,800	$0.00 *
Current Loan Balance	$14,800	$10,000
Interest Rate	6.8 percent	6.8 percent
Maximum Term	120 months	120 months
Fixed Repayment Amount for 119 months	$170.32	$115
Fixed Repayment Amount for 1 month	$169.09	$114.24
Total Repayment Interest	$5,637.17	$3,808.76*
Total Repayment Amount	$20,437.17	$13,808.76.

Note: Making loan interest payments benefits borrowers in the long run. For example, in this comparison, the monthly instalment is $55.24 less and the total repayment at the end of the life of the loan is savings of $1,828.41 in interest.

National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS)

Review your NSLDS record by logging into studentaid.gov. You can review information about:

1. Loan servicer assignment and contact information

2. Repayment begins dates

3. Total federal loan debt

Exit Counseling

When you have submitted your graduation date in LionPATH, or cease to be enrolled at Penn State, they will select you for Federal Loan Exit Counseling.

 No holds will appear on your record, but I will send you a series of three email reminders to complete the counselling at studentaid.gov.

Exit Counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your federal student loan (s).

If you have received a Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the FFEL Program, you must complete exit counselling each time you:

1. Drop below half-time enrollment

2. Graduate

3. Leave school

Repayment Plans

You will select a repayment plan that meets your needs. The amount you pay and the length of time to repay.

However, your loans will vary depending on the repayment plan you choose. Typical loan repayment terms are 10 to 25 years.

Review the Student Loan Repayment on the Federal Student Aid site.

Types of Federal Student Loans

The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program is the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program.

Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. There are four types of Direct Loans available:

1. Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.

2. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need.

3. Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.

Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.

4. Direct Consolidation Loans allow you to combine all of your eligible federal student loans into a single loan with a single loan servicer.

How Much Money Can I Borrow in Federal Student Loans?

It depends on whether you’re an undergraduate student, a graduate or professional student, or a parent.

1. If you are an undergraduate student, the maximum amount you can borrow each year in Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans ranges from $5,500 to $12,500 per year, depending on what year you are in school and your dependency status.

2. If you are a graduate or professional student, you can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

They can also use direct PLUS Loans for the rest of your college costs, as determined by your school, not covered by other financial aid.

3. If you are a parent of a dependent undergraduate student. Also, you can receive a Direct PLUS Loan for the rest of your child’s college costs. As determined by his or her school, not covered by other financial aid.

Reason for Taking Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans are an investment in your future. You should not be afraid to take out federal student loans, but you should be smart about it.

Federal student loans offer many benefits compared to other options you may consider when paying for college:

1. The interest rate on federal student loans is fixed and usually lower than that on private loans—and much lower than that on a credit card!

2. You don’t need a credit check or a cosigner to get most federal student loans.

3. You don’t have to repay your federal student loans until after you leave college or drop below half-time.

4. If you show financial need, the government pays the interest on some loan types while you are in school and during some periods after school.

5. Federal student loans offer flexible repayment plans and options to postpone your loan payments if you’re having trouble making payments.

6. If you work in certain jobs, you may be eligible to have a portion of your federal student loans forgiven if you meet certain conditions.

What Should I Consider When Taking Out Federal Student Loans?

Before you take out a loan, it’s important to understand that a loan is a legal obligation that makes you responsible for repaying the amount you borrow with interest.

Even though you don’t have to begin repaying your federal student loans right away, you shouldn’t wait to understand your responsibilities as a borrower. 

Be a responsible borrower.

‣ Keep track of how much you’re borrowing. Think about how the amount of your loans will affect your future finances, and how much you can afford to repay.

Your student loan payments should be only a small percentage of your salary after you graduate, so it’s important not to borrow more than you need for your school-related expenses.

‣ Research starting salaries in your field. Ask your school for starting salaries of recent graduates in your field of study to get an idea of how much you are likely to earn after you graduate.

You can also use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook or career search tool to research careers and salaries.

More Details

‣ Understand the terms of your loan and keep copies of your loan documents. When you sign your promissory note, you are agreeing to repay the loan according to the terms of the note even if you don’t complete your education, can’t get a job after you complete the program, or you didn’t like the education you received.

‣ Make payments on time. You are required to make payments on time even if you don’t receive a bill, repayment notice, or a reminder.

You must pay the full amount required by your repayment plan, as partial payments do not fulfil your obligation to repay your student loan on time.

‣ Keep in touch with your loan servicer. Notify your loan servicer when you graduate; withdraw from school; drop below half-time status; transfer to another school; or change your name, address, or Social Security number.

You also should contact your servicer if you’re having trouble making your scheduled loan payments. Your servicer has several options available to help you keep your loan in good standing.

How Do I Get a Federal Student Loan?

To apply for a federal student loan, you must first complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Based on the results of your FAFSA form, your college or career school will send you a financial aid offer, which may include federal student loans. Your school will tell you how to accept all or a part of the loan.

Before you receive your loan funds, you will be required to

‣ complete entrance counselling, a tool to ensure you understand your obligation to repay the loan; and

‣ sign a Master Promissory Note, agreeing to the terms of the loan.

Contact the financial aid office at the school you are planning to attend for details regarding the process at your school.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Below are the most frequently asked questions about Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

1. What does a direct unsubsidized loan mean?

Direct unsubsidized loans are loans that help cover the cost of higher education for both undergraduate and graduate or professional students at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.

2. Is a direct unsubsidized loan good?

But that doesn’t mean federal direct unsubsidized loans are a bad deal. They are still government student loans, and that means they come with low, fixed rates and some valuable borrower benefits.
 
In fact, direct unsubsidized loans for undergraduates carry the same interest rate as subsidized loans.

3. What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans?

Subsidized Loans do not accrue interest while you are in school at least half-time or during deferment periods.
 
Unsubsidized Loans are loans for both undergraduate and graduate students that are not based on financial need

4. Do you have to pay back direct unsubsidized loans?

However, if you have a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Federal Family Education Loan.
 
Also, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to makemake regular payments.
 
You’ll go into repayment as soon as they fully disbursed the loan, which means once it’s paid out.

5. Why are unsubsidized loans bad?

Repay unsubsidized loans first. When you’re deciding which student loans to pay off first, consider prioritizing your unsubsidized student loans over any subsidized loans.
 
Again, interest in unsubsidized loans is always accruing, which means these student loans carry higher costs and therefore more financial risk

6. How long do you have to pay off unsubsidized loans?

Generally, you’ll have 10 to 25 years to repay your loan, depending on the repayment plan that you choose.
 
Learn more about your repayment options above.

7. Can you pay off a direct unsubsidized loan early?

You may prepay all or part of your federal student loan at any time without penalty.
 
Any extra amount you pay, besides your regular required monthly payment. Applies to any outstanding interest before being applied to your outstanding principal balance.

8. How does an unsubsidized loan work?

An unsubsidized student loan is a type of loan that is not subsidized by the federal government. 
 
Interest begins accruing on the date of disbursement, and the accrued interest is capitalized and added to the loan balance until repayment begins.
 
The borrower pays all the capitalized interest.

9. Can you pay off unsubsidized loans while in school?

While you don’t have to make payments on your loans while you’re in school, you have the option to pay down your student loans.
 
Therefore, including paying down interest on any unsubsidized loans, which will save you money in the long run.

10. What are the 4 types of student loans?

There are four types of federal student loans available:

1. Direct subsidized loans.
 
2. Direct unsubsidized loans.
 
3. Direct PLUS loans.
 
4. Direct consolidation loans.

11. What is better subsidized or unsubsidized loans?

Subsidized loans offer many benefits if you qualify for them. While these loans are not “better” than unsubsidized loans, they offer borrowers a lower interest rate than unsubsidized loans.
 
The government pays the interest on them while a student is in school and during the six-month grace period after graduation.

12. What can unsubsidized student loans be used for?

You can also use student loans for living expenses. You’re limited to borrowing the school’s cost of attendance, that’s tuition and fees.
 
However, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses, minus any aid you receive.

13. What is the interest rate on direct unsubsidized loans?

The current interest rates (first disbursed on or after July 1, 2021, and before July 1, 2022).
 
Also, for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are 3.73% (Undergraduate Student) and 5.28% (Graduate or Professional Student).
 
They fixed the interest rates for the life of the loan.

More Details on FAQ

14. What increases your total loan balance?

When the interest on your federal student loan is not paid, as it accrues during periods when you pay the interest, your lender may capitalize the unpaid interest.
 
This increases the outstanding principal amount due on the loan.

15. Should I pay back subsidized or unsubsidized loans first?

When prioritizing loan repayments, it’s a good idea to repay your direct unsubsidized loans first before paying back your direct subsidized loans.
 
Because an unsubsidized loan continues accruing interest while in school, the balance of your unsubsidised loans will be larger unless you paid the interest while in school

16. What happens if you don’t pay back a cosigned loan on time?

If a loan goes into default, a lender could take legal action against you or garnish your wages or bank account. 
 
Even if the borrower dutifully pays on time, the loan will count as part of your own debt. which could affect your ability to get new credit for your own purposes

17. Does the unsubsidized Stafford loan require repayment?

Popular Repayment Options for Federal Stafford Funding.
 
Borrowers with unsubsidized Stafford Loans must begin repayment immediately but may opt to defer payments until this same six-month grace period is complete.

18. Can I subsidized and unsubsidized loans both?

Subsidized loans rarely start accruing (accumulating) interest until you leave school (or drop below half-time enrollment), so accept a subsidized loan before an unsubsidized loan.
 
Next, accept an unsubsidized loan before a PLUS loan.

19. Does student loans affect credit score?

Yes, having a student loan will affect your credit score. Your student loan amount and payment history will go on your credit report.
 
Making payments on time can help you maintain a positive credit score.

20. How much can I take out in unsubsidized loans?

The maximum amount you can borrow each academic year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans ranges from $5,500 to $12,500.
 
However, for undergraduates, depending on your year in school and your dependency status.
 
Direct Unsubsidized Loans have an annual limit of $20,500 for graduate or professional students.

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StudentsandScholarship Team.