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College  |  October 24, 2023  |  Kiley Thompson

The difference between unsubsidized vs subsidized student loans

What you'll learn
  • The types of student loans that exist
  • The difference between federal subsidized and unsubsidized student loans
  • The pros and cons of unsubsidized vs subsidized loans

There are several types of student loans out there—and until you receive a financial aid package from a college, you may not know what you’re eligible for. Keep these definitions in mind from the beginning and you may be able to save money on your student loans over the long term.

What kinds of student loans are there?

Student loans can be divided into two general types: federal and private.

Federal student loans are provided by the government, and to qualify, you need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Federal loans have a standard interest rate—that’s set by the government—and can offer more flexibility (especially in their repayment options) than private loans. Note: Federal direct loans are sometimes referred to as “Stafford” loans—they’re the same thing.

 

Types of federal student loans:

  • Direct subsidized loans
  • Direct unsubsidized loans
  • Direct PLUS Loans, which include Grad PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students, and Parent PLUS Loans, which are lent to a student’s parents. PLUS Loans are the only federal loans that are credit-based.

Private student loans are provided by banks and other financial institutions. They’re credit-based, so you and/or your cosigner need to have good credit. You apply directly from the company that’s making the loan. Private loans often offer fixed or variable interest rates (which can differ from one company to another). Learn how a private student loan works.

Need money for college?

Consider a Sallie Mae® private student loan

  • Available for online or on-campus study
  • Competitive fixed and variable rates
  • No origination fee or prepayment penalty
  • 97% of undergraduate students who’ve been approved were approved again when they returned with a cosigner the following yearfootnote 1 
Learn more

What’s the difference between a federal unsubsidized and subsidized student loan?

Both loans have the same interest rates, and interest accrues (grows) on both from the moment your school gets the money. The difference is who pays the interest while you’re in school—you or the government.

Unsubsidized loans: With an unsubsidized loan, you're responsible for the interest from the moment the amount you borrow is disbursed (sent) to your school. Unlike a subsidized loan, the federal government will not help with interest that accrues. Unsubsidized loans are available to both undergrads and graduate students. When you start paying back your unsubsidized loans, your repayment will include the original amount you borrowed and the interest that has accrued.

Subsidized loans: Federal subsidized loans are based on financial need (as determined by the FAFSA®). In effect, the government will pay the interest for you while you’re in school (if you’re enrolled at least part-time), during your grace period, and if you need a loan deferment. When you leave school, the government stops paying your loans’ interest. You’ll repay the original amount that you borrowed and the interest that starts to accrue (grow) from that moment. Subsidized loans are only available to undergraduates, and there’s usually a lower loan limit than with an unsubsidized one.

So why would anyone ever take out an unsubsidized loan?

As we’ve mentioned, both types of federal loans are only available when you apply for aid through the FAFSA®.

If you qualify for a subsidized loan, you should usually take it, since you can save money with it. If you don’t qualify, however, there are two plusses to getting an unsubsidized loan:

-   You don’t have to demonstrate need for an unsubsidized student loan, so you can usually borrow more money.
-   You can use the funds to pay for a graduate degree.

Generally, you’ll find out which types of loans you’re eligible for when you receive your school’s financial aid package.

The FAFSA® is key

If you need to take out a loan to pay for college, know that you’re not alone. College is expensive and no one expects you to have planned for everything. Just be sure to file the FAFSA®—it’s the key to all federal financial aid, including college scholarships, grants, and your eligibility for subsidized and unsubsidized student loans.

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footnote Sallie Mae does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey financial, tax, or legal advice. We make no claims about the accuracy or adequacy of this information. These materials may not reflect our view or endorsement. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited.

footnote External links and third-party references are provided for informational purposes only. Sallie Mae cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by any third parties and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein. Any copyrights, trademarks, and/or service marks used in these materials are the property of their respective owners.

footnote FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.

footnote 1. Sallie Mae loans cover enrollment periods of up to 12 months. Students must apply for a new loan each school year. This approval percentage is based on students who were approved for a Sallie Mae undergraduate loan with a cosigner in the 2020/21 school year and were approved for another Sallie Mae undergraduate loan when they returned with the same or new cosigner in 2021/22. It does not include the denied applications of students who were ultimately approved in 2021/22.