The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan provides additional loan eligibility beyond any subsidized Stafford amounts. The terms and conditions are essentially the same as for the regular Stafford Loan, but the federal government does not pay the loan interest while the student is in school. Instead, interest is accrued and capitalized (added to the principal of the loan). Loan repayment begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. Borrowers have the option of paying the unsubsidized interest while in school (the first interest payment being due within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed).

Students must first apply for the regular (subsidized) Stafford Loan program, and if they meet certain other eligibility criteria at the time, they will be automatically considered for the unsubsidized program at the same time. (Review the Stafford application process here.) The total amount borrowed in any year may not exceed the cost of education minus the total family contribution and minus all other financial aid received that year. Stafford Loan disbursements are co-payable to NYU and the student, and funds are applied first to any outstanding balance on the student's account.

Dependent Undergraduate Students (Except Students Whose Parents Cannot Borrow a PLUS Loan)	Additional unsubsidized loan amount
Freshman	$2,000
Sophomore	$2,000
Junior or Senior	$2,000

Independent Undergraduate Students and Dependent Students Whose Parents Cannot Borrow a PLUS Loan	Additional unsubsidized loan amount
Freshman	$6,000
Sophomore	$6,000
Junior or Senior	$7,000

Graduate and Professional Students	Additional unsubsidized loan amount
	$12,000

Graduate and Professional Students Preparing for the Health Professions	Additional unsubsidized loan amount
	$30,000

AGGREGATE LOAN LIMITS

• Undergraduate Dependent Students: $31,000 (no more than $23,000
  of which can be subsidized).
  
• Undergraduate Independent Students: $57,500 (no more than $23,000
  of which can be subsidized).
  
• Graduate and Professional Students: $138,500 (no more than $65,500
  of which can be subsidized).
  
• Graduate and Professional Students Preparing for the Health Professions: $224,000 (no more than $65,500 of which can be subsidized).

  The graduate debt limit includes any Stafford loans received for undergraduate study.