<p>My D is an incoming freshman and she is thinking about applying for a sub-stafford loan. When is the right time to contact her FA office, immediately, or is there a certain time-window for loan requests? No, there is no loan portion of her FA package . . .</p>
<p>If there is no subsidized loan in her FA award, then she is probably not eligible for a subsidized loan. In general schools will offer a subsidized loan as part of the FA when a student is eligible. Subsidized loans are need based, does your daughter have unmet need (COA-EFC-any other aid/scholarships)?</p>
<p>The best time to ask is now. Then you will know where you are at financially. If she has no “need”, then all she may be offered is an unsubsidized loan is she is eligible (total aid and loans can not exceed the school’s COA). The loans will not be disbursed until school starts, and if you decide you don’t want the unsub loan you can always turn it down.</p>