Glossary Terms

Subsidized Loan

Subsidized Loan
Reviewed by Melissa Cook
Updated January 5, 2023

A subsidized loan is a type of financial assistance provided by the government or other organization to help individuals or families pay for education or other expenses. The purpose of a subsidized loan is to make it easier for people to afford the cost of education or other necessities by reducing the amount of money they have to pay back.

A direct subsidized loan is a specific type of subsidized loan that is provided directly by the government through the Department of Education’s Federal Direct Loan Program. This program offers low-interest loans to eligible students to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses related to their education.

To be eligible for a direct subsidized loan, a student must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program and must demonstrate financial need. The amount of the loan is based on the student’s financial need, the cost of attendance at their school, and other factors.

Unlike other types of loans, a direct subsidized loan does not accrue interest while the borrower is in school, during the grace period after graduation, or during any other approved deferment periods. This means that the borrower does not have to pay any interest on the loan until they are required to begin repaying it.

However, once the borrower begins repayment, they will be responsible for paying back the principal amount of the loan, as well as any interest that has accrued. The interest rate on a direct subsidized loan is fixed and is determined by the government each year.

In addition to direct subsidized loans, there are also other types of subsidized loans available, such as Perkins loans and Stafford loans. These loans are also provided by the government and have similar terms and conditions as direct subsidized loans, but they may have different eligibility requirements and interest rates.

Subsidized loans are an important source of financial assistance for many students and families, as they can help make education more affordable and accessible. However, it is important for borrowers to understand the terms and conditions of their loans, including the repayment terms and any fees or charges that may be associated with the loan.

Borrowers should also be aware that taking out a loan is a serious financial commitment and should be carefully considered before making the decision to borrow. It is important for borrowers to make sure that they understand the terms and conditions of their loans and to carefully plan for repayment in order to avoid financial difficulties in the future. Talk to an Americor professional today about your financial situation.