Unsubsidized loans

Do you need a student loan for college? Taking out a student loan is sometimes necessary due to the high cost of college fees and expenses.

Well, have you heard of an unsubsidized loan? This loan could be your best option, especially if you do not qualify for subsidized loans. To better understand the concept, this article elaborates on what an unsubsidized loan is and compares it with subsidized loans.

What is an unsubsidized loan?

An unsubsidized loan is a student loan that the federal government does not subsidize; this implies that the moment you get the loan, your interest starts to accrue, and the interest accumulates until the day you begin to repay the loan. In simple terms, unsubsidized loans are not based on your financial need. As a student, to qualify for an unsubsidized loan, you have to be enrolled in school at least half-time of the study period.

Subsidized vs. unsubsidized loan

The main difference between subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans is that; Subsidized loan loans are student loans that are offered to students with financial needs. The need is calculated by the cost of your attendance minus other financial aids, i.e., family, scholarship, and grants.

In addition, subsidized loans don't accrue interest rates while in college. Unlike an unsubsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest accrued on it until it is fully repaid.

Do unsubsidized loans have loan interest?

Like every other loan in mind, an unsubsidized loan has an interest. The interest starts to accrue from when the loan is granted to you until you make the last payment.

Is an unsubsidized loan a good idea?

Yes, on the brighter side, acquiring an unsubsidized loan can be a good idea, especially because they are not offered in a particular loan limit, unlike subsidized loans. Secondly, qualifying for an unsubsidized loan is easy since you do not need proof of financial need.

To qualify for a student-subsidized loan, you must apply through FASFA, which ensures that you qualify; if not, the best option is to apply for an unsubsidized loan. Therefore, an unsubsidized loan sometimes becomes the only option when you do not qualify for a subsidized loan.

How to qualify for unsubsidized loan?

To qualify for an unsubsidized loan, you have to

Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
Be enrolled half-time of the entire study period in a school that accepts financial aid programs
Be enrolled in a degree or certificate program awarded in that school
Have a high diploma or a GED or equivalent.
Have a valid social security number

Further thoughts

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans come in handy for you as a college student whenever you need aid in covering your tuition expenses and college fees. It is a good idea, though, to start repaying your loan as soon as possible to create a good credit score and be in a position to acquire other forms of loans soon.