Stafford Loans
Federal Stafford Loans are low-interest loans backed by the Federal Government. For students who must borrow to supplement personal and family savings, Stafford Loans have a fixed 5.498% interest rate for the 2023-2024 academic year.
There are two types of Stafford Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized.
- Subsidized loans are preferable because the government pays all the interest while you are enrolled in school at least half-time and for a six-month grace period after students graduate or discontinue.
- Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest 60 days after disbursement. Students may choose to make monthly payments on unsubsidized loans while they are in school.
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen.
- Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
- Be admitted to BYU–Hawaii as a regular student in a degree-seeking undergraduate program, teacher certification, or required re-certification, or taking prerequisite courses for admission to a graduate degree-seeking program (for a current or future enrollment during the academic year).
- Meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
- Be awarded by your last day of eligible enrollment and not have exceeded federal loan limits.
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant.
HOW TO APPLY?
- Complete your FAFSA application! For unsubsidized Stafford Loans, please submit an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Request Form.
- Complete verification, if selected.
- Complete a Master Promissory Note.
- Complete an Entrance Counseling.
- Review financial aid award letter.
Federal aid tutorials are available on the FAFSA page.
Please note, Stafford Loans by default are disbursed to a student's account over three (3) semesters. Students may be asked to provide proof of citizenship.