Serving the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard since 1924
There are two types of Federal Stafford Loans:
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The Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is a need-based loan. The student does not pay principal or interest on the loan while attending school. The federal government "subsidizes" the interest until the student begins repayment - normally 6 months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half time (less than six semester or quarter hours per term) |
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The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is a non-need-based loan. The student is charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Principal repayment normally begins 6 months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half time (less than six semester or quarter hours per term) |
Maximum Annual Loan Amounts
Borrower's Academic Level |
Dependent Student1 |
Independent Student 2 |
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Subsidized & Unsubsidized Total Amount |
Subsidized Limit |
Unsubsidized Limit |
Total Amount |
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| First Year Undergraduate Student Full Academic Year |
$2,625 |
$2,625 |
$4,000 |
$6,625 |
| Second Year Undergraduate Student Full Academic Year |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
$4,000 |
$7,500 |
| Third Year and Beyond Undergraduate Student Full Academic Year |
$5,500 |
$5,500 |
$5,000 |
$10,500 |
| Graduate/Professional Student |
N/A |
$8,500 |
$10,000 |
$18,500 |
1 Dependent Student - The children of CGMA clients, under 23 years of age, dependent upon an eligible CGMA client for over half of their support. Following federal criteria, other factors may be considered to determine dependent status. Contact your school for additional information. |
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2 Independent Student - CGMA clients, spouses, and any student enrolled in a graduate program. |
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The total debt outstanding for a dependent undergraduate student may not exceed $23,000.
The total debt outstanding for an independent student is limited to:
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$46,000 for undergraduate study ($23,000 subsidized and $23,000 unsubsidized). |
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$138,500 for undergraduate and graduate studies combined. |
The interest rate for Federal Stafford Loans is an annual variable rate set by Congress. For the current interest rates or more detailed information on Stafford Loans, please contact:
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Your school's Financial Aid Office |
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The U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Center at 1-800-433-3243, or visit their website: www.ed.gov |
Need More Information?
Contact your local Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Representative.
Call CGMA-HQ (800) 881-2462 or (202) 493-6621
Send us an email: ARL-DG-CGMA@uscg.mil