Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is the interest rate on government student loans? Think government borrowing rate is about 4.5%. Is interest on student loans much higher and if so why?
Current rates, which are set by Congress:
Undergraduate Students:
Direct Subsidized Loans: 6.53% (for those demonstrating financial need).
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: 6.53% (no financial need requirement).
Graduate or Professional Students:
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: 8.08%.
Parents and Graduate/Professional Students:
Direct PLUS Loans: 9.08%.
These rates are fixed for the life of the loan. They cannot be refinanced with the federal government. You can refinance with a private lender, but you lose all the protections of federal student loans (eg, PSLF program, income based repayments, etc.)