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Loans for graduate students

Federal student loans		Private student loans
Stafford Loan	Grad PLUS Loan	Signature Student Loan	Tuition Answer Loan
Interest rate
For Stafford loans first disbursed beginning July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8%.	8.5% Some lenders who work with Sallie Mae offer interest rate reductions that may reduce the interest rate to 6.75%.	Interest rates that reward good credit and are as low as Prime + 0% when you and your cosigner are both credit-approved and one has excellent credit. Interest rates are variable and reset monthly.	Interest rates that reward good credit and are as low as Prime + 1.5% for borrowers with excellent credit. Interest rates are variable and reset monthly.
Origination fees
For loans first disbursed July 1, 2007–June 30, 2008: Up to 2.5% in fees that includes a 1.5% federal origination fee and a 1% federal default fee. For loans first disbursed July 1, 2008–June 30, 2009: Up to 2% fees that includes a 1% federal origination fee and 1% federal default fee. There are lenders and guarantors that work with Sallie Mae that pay all or a portion of these fees.	Origination fee of 3% charged by the federal government. Up to a 1% default fee. There are lenders and guarantors that work with Sallie Mae that pay all or a portion of the default fee on loans guaranteed July 1, 2007–June 20, 2008.	No disbursement fee Repayment fees are 0%–3%	Disbursement fee, 5%–10%
Annual loan limits
$20,500 each year Aggregate loan limit Graduate or professional limit $138,500 Exceptions may apply to certain graduate students.	Borrow up to the full cost of your education less other aid received	Minimum: $500 Maximum: cost of attendance minus financial aid	Minimum: $1,500 Maximum: $40,000 Lifetime loan limit: $130,000
Repayment
Six months after student graduates, withdraws, or attends school less than half time.	Repayment on PLUS loans begins within 60 days after the final disbursement of the loan. Graduate PLUS loans, for borrowers who are certified by their school to be attending at least half time, will be placed into in-school deferment. No payments are required during in-school deferment. Payments begin after in-school deferment ends.	Flexible repayment options determine first payment.	Flexible repayment options determine first payment.