
Unsubsidized loans do accrue interest during graduate school, which can significantly increase the total amount you'll need to repay.
The interest on unsubsidized loans is calculated daily and compounded annually, meaning it can add up quickly.
You can expect to pay around 6.8% interest on unsubsidized loans, which is the same rate as the federal government's fixed rate for unsubsidized graduate loans.
This means that if you borrow $10,000 at 6.8% interest, you'll pay around $680 in interest over a year.
Worth a look: Unsubsidized Loan Application
Types of Graduate Loans
If you're considering graduate school, it's essential to understand your loan options. You have two main types of federal graduate loans: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate students and have lower interest rates and fees compared to PLUS loans. They also offer a six-month grace period after graduation.
You can borrow up to $20,500 each year with a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and a total of $138,500 as a graduate student. This includes your undergraduate student loans.
If you need to borrow more, you can opt for a Direct PLUS Loan, which has no borrowing limits. However, it requires a credit check and may have higher interest rates.
Check this out: What's a Subsidized Loan and Unsubsidized

Here are the two types of federal graduate loans:
It's worth noting that private graduate student loans are also an option, but they have different terms and conditions compared to federal loans.
Graduate Student Loan Options
You have two main options for federal student loans while in graduate school: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans. These loans are available to graduate or professional students enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans have lower interest rates and fees than PLUS loans, and they also have a six-month grace period after graduation where you don’t need to make a payment. This can help you during a job hunt.
You can borrow up to $20,500 per year with a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and the aggregate limit is $138,500 as a graduate student. This includes your undergraduate student loans.
If you need to borrow more, you can opt for a Direct PLUS Loan, which has no borrowing limits. However, Direct PLUS Loans require a credit check and may have higher interest rates compared to Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Expand your knowledge: Subsidized Fed Loan Rate

Here are the two main federal student loan options for graduate students:
Keep in mind that private student loans also exist and have their own application process, interest rates, and repayment terms. However, federal student loans generally offer more flexible repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.
Private Graduate Loans
Private graduate loans are a viable option for students who need additional funding for their graduate studies. They're offered by private lenders, but their terms and conditions can vary greatly from one lender to another.
To apply for private graduate loans, you'll typically need to go through a separate application process, which may require a credit check and additional documentation. This can be a bit more complicated than applying for federal graduate student loans.
Private loan interest rates can be either fixed or variable, and may be influenced by your creditworthiness and other factors. This means that your interest rate could potentially change over time.

Federal graduate student loans, on the other hand, offer more flexible repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. However, private loans may not offer the same level of protection.
Some private lenders may require a cosigner, especially if you have limited credit history or income. This can add an extra layer of responsibility for the cosigner.
Here are some key differences between private and federal graduate student loans:
Federal Student Loans for Graduates
Federal Student Loans for Graduates can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You have two main options for federal student loans while in graduate school: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans have lower interest rates and fees than PLUS loans. These loans also have a six-month grace period after graduation where you don’t need to make a payment. This can help you during a job hunt.

You can borrow a maximum of $20,500 per year with a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and the total aggregate limit is $138,500 as a graduate student. This includes your undergraduate student loans.
If you need to borrow more, you can opt for a Direct PLUS Loan. The maximum you can borrow is the cost of attendance minus other financial aid you receive.
Here's a breakdown of the lifetime limits for federal student loans:
Remember, it's essential to consider your individual circumstances and financial situation before choosing a loan option.
Graduate Student Loans
Graduate student loans can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding your options can make a big difference. Federal graduate student loans offer two main types: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate students and have no need-based requirements. Interest begins accruing on these loans as soon as they're disbursed. You can borrow up to $20,500 per year, with a total aggregate limit of $138,500 as a graduate student.

Private graduate student loans are another option, but their terms and conditions vary from lender to lender. They often require a credit check and additional documentation, and interest rates can be fixed or variable.
Repayment terms for federal graduate student loans are generally more flexible, including income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. However, private loans may not offer these options.
Before taking out any student loans, it's essential to exhaust other options, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships, which don't require repayment.
Here are the two main types of federal student loans for graduate students:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Direct PLUS Loan
If you're considering deferring your student loans, know that full-time grad students may be able to defer repayment. However, not all loans qualify for subsidized deferment, and interest will continue to accrue on non-qualifying loans.
Managing Graduate Loans
You have two options for federal student loans while in graduate school: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loan. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans have lower interest rates and fees than PLUS loans, and they come with a six-month grace period after graduation.

The maximum you can borrow with a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is $20,500 per year, with a total aggregate limit of $138,500 as a graduate student. This includes your undergraduate student loans.
If you have an adverse credit history, you can add a cosigner to a Grad PLUS Loan, which allows you to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid you receive.
To qualify for deferment, you must apply while you're enrolled in an approved graduate program. For federal loans, the federal government may pay interest on your loans if you have Direct Subsidized Loans, FFEL Loans, or Perkins Loans.
However, not all loans qualify for subsidized deferment. If you don't qualify, your loans will continue to accrue interest throughout deferment, and those charges could be costly.
Here's a breakdown of the two main options for federal student loans:
Before taking out any student loans, make sure you've exhausted your other options, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships. These options don't require you to pay the money back.
Understanding Interest Accrual

Interest accrual is a key concept to understand when it comes to your federal student loans while in grad school. Interest is the fee paid to borrow money, and it's a percentage of your overall loan balance (principal).
For graduate school, your federal student loans accrue interest daily. This means you'll need to factor in interest when calculating your total loan balance.
To calculate the interest amount, you can use the formula: Interest Amount = (Outstanding Principal Balance x Interest Rate Factor) x Number of Days Since Last Payment. This formula will give you a clear picture of how much interest is accumulating on your loan.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans have fixed interest rates, which means the rate won't change during the life of the loan.
If this caught your attention, see: Do Loans Accrue Interest While in School
Federal Graduate Loans
Federal Graduate Loans offer two main options: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate students and have no need-based requirements, but interest starts accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.

Graduate students can borrow more through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan program compared to undergraduate students.
Direct PLUS Loans require a credit check and may have higher interest rates, but they have no borrowing limits.
Here's a comparison of the two loan options:
As a graduate student, you can borrow a maximum of $20,500 per year with a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and a total of $138,500 as an aggregate limit.
Interest Accrual
Interest accrual can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's basically the interest that builds up on your loan balance over time.
Interest accrues daily on federal student loans for graduate school.
The interest amount is calculated using a simple formula: Interest Amount = (Outstanding Principal Balance x Interest Rate Factor) x Number of Days Since Last Payment.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans have fixed interest rates, which means they won't change during the life of the loan.
Private student loans, on the other hand, can have either fixed or variable interest rates.
It's essential to compare fixed private student loan interest rates before taking out a Grad PLUS Loan.
What to Remember

Debt should not be the only factor influencing your decision to pursue an advanced degree. It's just as important to think about the impact on your career, potential earnings, your family, and other areas of your personal life.
Pursuing grad studies despite student debt is a common scenario, and there are options to lessen the burden and help reach repayment sooner. It all comes down to picking the right game plan.
Consider the potential earnings of your desired career and weigh them against the cost of the advanced degree. This will help you make a more informed decision about whether the investment is worth it.
Your family's financial situation and needs should also be taken into account when deciding whether to pursue an advanced degree.
Paying for Grad School
Paying for grad school can be a daunting task, but it's essential to understand your options. Student Lending Specialist Tiffany Vachon explains that there are methods for paying for grad school, including loans.
You should do your own research and/or contact your own legal or tax advisor for assistance with questions you may have on the information contained herein.
Discover more: Filing Fafsa for Grad School
Paying for Grad School

Paying for grad school can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only, and you should consult a legal or tax advisor for specific advice.
There are various methods for paying for grad school, and one option is to take out student loans. This can provide the necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
You should do your own research and contact your own legal or tax advisor for assistance with questions you may have on the information contained in this article.
A unique perspective: Fafsa Grad Student Loan Amount
How Much Can You Borrow for Grad School?
You can borrow up to the full cost of attending your graduate program with a Grad PLUS student loan, minus any other financial aid you're receiving.
However, if you're using unsubsidized loans, your aggregate borrowing limit is $138,500, which includes any federal loans you took out as an undergraduate.
Borrowers in certain health profession programs may be eligible for a higher aggregate limit for Direct Subsidized Loans, so it's a good idea to check with your school's financial aid office.
Private student loans typically limit borrowers to the cost of attendance, but policies can vary by lender.
You'll want to borrow responsibly and only take on what you need to avoid excessive debt.
Worth a look: Accrue Financial
Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid interest on unsubsidized student loans?
To minimize interest on unsubsidized student loans, pay more than the minimum payment or make payments more frequently. This can help reduce the total interest charged over the life of the loan.
Sources
- https://www.earnest.com/blog/how-do-graduate-student-loans-work
- https://www.studentloanplanner.com/student-loans-for-grad-school/
- https://www.uab.edu/cost-aid/types-of-aid/loans/subsidized-and-unsubsidized-federal-direct-loans
- https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/4-student-loan-questions-before-grad-school.aspx
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/subsidized-student-loans-for-graduate-school/
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