<p>are stafford loans always deferred while a student is in school? if not, what would be a situation in which they would not be deferred?</p>
<p>They would not be deferred if the student was not attending school for 12 credit hours or more. They would not be deferred if the school were not an acknowledged school of higher education.</p>
<p>Deferment only requires half time enrollment.</p>
<p>Here is the deferment link: <a href=“http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2009-2010/english/postponeloanpayment.htm[/url]”>http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2009-2010/english/postponeloanpayment.htm</a></p>
<p>^^Yes, half time is all that is required. My son is part time right now and his loans are still in deferment. Then he has 6 months grace period once he stops being half time.</p>
<p>I think if you have any unsub loans you can CHOOSE to make some interest-only payments if you WANT to before you graduate…but you’re not obligated to do so.</p>
<p>That’s true. It’s a REALLY good idea to make interest payments, if possible. Doing so does not obligate you in any way to keep making the payments while in deferment. It keeps the loan balance from climbing up during deferment, though, so in the end the total paid over the life of the loan will be lower.</p>
<p>thank you guys!</p>
<p>the reason im asking is that while the orthodoxy is that stafford is always deferred, the wording on a lot of resources seems to indicate that they have to “evaluate” one’s FAFSA before “approving” a deferment</p>
<p>Please ONLY read the government’s website!! There are scammers out there. Go to [National</a> Student Loan Data System for Students](<a href=“http://www.nslds.ed.gov%5DNational”>http://www.nslds.ed.gov). Use your FAFSA PIN to enter the site. You will be able to access all of your loan info, there will be tons of great info available, and you will find a toll-free number you can call to ask questions.</p>