The cost of higher education shouldn't stand in the way of your success. We're here to help.
Many students take more than one loan per single year of school. If a Federal Stafford Loan isn't enough to cover your full cost of attending school Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. , a Federal Grad PLUS Loan can bridge the gap. We recommend a Federal Grad PLUS Loan before applying for a Certified Private Loan .
| Federal Stafford Loans | Federal Grad PLUS Loans | Certified Private Loans | |
|---|---|---|---|
Borrower |
Student | Student | Student (may require a Cosigner) |
Loan Provider |
Government | Government | Discover Student Loans |
Annual Loan LimitLoan amounts are certified and disbursed through your school |
Up to $20,500 (certain programs for health professions may qualify for higher loan limits, see your financial aid office for exact amounts) | Up to 100% of your cost of attendance Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. minus other aid | Up to 100% of your cost of attendance Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. minus other aid |
Fees |
1% of loan | Up to 4% of loan | Zero origination fees |
Interest Rate2010-2011 |
6.8% fixed (subsidized loans) 6.8% fixed (unsubsidized loans) |
7.9% fixed | Variable based on credit evaluation, from Prime Index plus 0.50% to Prime Index plus 7.75% (see Prime Index & APR) |
0.25% Auto Debit Reward |
Check with your loan servicer | Check with your loan servicer | Yes |
2% Graduation Reward |
No | No | Yes |
Payment Deferment while in School |
No payments due until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time | No payments due until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time | No payments due until 9 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time |
Repayment Term |
10 to 25 years | 10 to 25 years | 20 years |
Availability |
For more information, contact your school’s financial aid office | For more information, contact your school’s financial aid office | Available at many schools with graduate degree programs |
FAFSA Required? |
Yes | Yes | No |
Credit Check Required? |
No | Yes | Yes |
Cosigner Required? |
No | No | Depends on credit |
©2010 Discover Bank, Member FDIC | Lender ID 831312