Use our loan comparison chart as a quick, convenient reference guide to the features, terms and repayment details for Stafford, PLUS, Perkins and alternative loans.

For more information, like how to apply for a loan, contact your college's financial aid office.


Loan Comparison Chart
Stafford Subsidized LoanStafford Unsubsidized LoanParent PLUS
Loan		Graduate/
Professional
PLUS
Loan		Alternative
Loan		Perkins
Loan
No credit checkNo credit checkMust be credit worthyMust be credit worthyMust be credit worthyNo credit check
Only student loan borrower responsible for repayment, no cosigner needed.Only student loan borrower responsible for repayment, no cosigner needed.Only parent borrower responsible for repayment, no student responsibility.Student loan borrower responsible; no cosigner required.Student loan borrower responsible, if credit worthy, no cosigner needed. If cosigner needed, equal shared responsibility for repayment and debt.Student loan borrower is responsible for repayment, no cosigner needed.
Loan LimitsLoan LimitsLoan LimitsLoan LimitsVaries by LenderLoan Limits
Death/Disability benefitDeath/Disability benefitDeath/Disability benefitDeath/Disability benefitNo Death/Disability Benefit. If borrower should die or become totally and permanently disabled, the borrower and cosigner are still responsible for debt.Death/Disability benefit
Deferment / Forbearance eligibilityDeferment / Forbearance eligibilityDeferment / Forbearance eligibilityDeferment / Forbearance eligibilityPossible Deferment / Forbearance eligibilityDeferment / Forbearance eligibility
Federally guaranteedFederally guaranteedFederally guaranteedFederally guaranteedNot Federally guaranteedFederally guaranteed
Can be consolidated with other federal guaranteed loans through federal guarantee agencyCan be consolidated with other federal guaranteed loans through federal guarantee agencyCan be consolidated with other federal guaranteed loans through federal guarantee agencyCan be consolidated with other federal guaranteed loans through federal guarantee agencyCannot be consolidated with other federal guaranteed loans through federal guarantee agencyCan be consolidated with other federal guaranteed loans through federal guarantee agency
Interest is not charged to your loan until 6 months from the time you leave school or drop below half time in school status (6 credits), or during periods of deferment.Interest is charged to your loan from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. You can make payments or capitalize (defer) interest until leaving school.Interest is charged to your loan from the time the loan is disbursed to the school.Interest is charged to your loan from the time the loan is disbursed to the school.Interest is charged to your loan from the time the loan is disbursed to you.Interest is not charged to your loan until 9 months from the time you leave school or drop below half time in school status (6 credits).