Stafford Loans are loans administered by the U.S. Department of Education to qualifying students. There are both subsidized and unsubsidized loans available to students, depending on their financial need. Repayment of Stafford Loans is due after a student graduates, begins to attend school less than half the normal enrollment time, or leaves school completely.

The Office of Federal Student Aid, within the U.S. Department of Education, oversees the Stafford Loan program. Applicants must apply before the deadline using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, the FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for state student aid, with each state having individual application deadlines.

Stafford Loans fall into one of two categories: The Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or the Direct Loan Program. Stafford Loans in the category of the FFEL Program require the use of a participating lender. The federal government, through the U.S. Department of Education, is the lender in the Direct Loan Program. Loan amounts and eligibility requirements are the same in both programs; however, the terms of repayment differ in some ways and will be explained to the student by the school's financial aid personnel.

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available through the Stafford Loan program. A student may be eligible for a subsidized loan, depending on financial need. The government will pay the interest on a subsidized loan while the student is in school, and for the first six months after the student leaves school. A student who is not financially eligible for a subsidized loan may be eligible for an unsubsidized loan, where the student is responsible for the interest of the loan. Depending on educational costs and other financial aid received, a student may even be eligible for both types of loans. Stafford Loans are subject to maximum yearly amounts. Visit the Stafford Loan section of the Federal Student Aid Web site for current maximum amounts and interest rates.