Understanding the Federal Perkins Loan Program [Education]: A Comprehensive Guide

Definition & Meaning

The Federal Perkins Loan Program is a federal student loan initiative designed to provide low-interest loans to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. This program was established under Title IV-E of the Higher Education Act (HEA) and includes the National Direct Student Loan Program and the National Defense Student Loan Program. The loans are issued through participating colleges and universities, which act as lenders, allowing students to borrow funds to help cover the costs of their education.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A student attending a public university applies for a Federal Perkins Loan to help cover tuition costs. After demonstrating financial need, they receive a loan of $4,000 with a five percent interest rate.

Example 2: A graduate who borrowed under the Perkins Loan program begins repayment after nine months of graduating, understanding their monthly payment obligations based on the total amount borrowed and interest accrued. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Federal Perkins Loan A low-interest federal loan for students with financial need. Issued through schools, with specific eligibility criteria.
Stafford Loan A federal loan available to students regardless of financial need. More widely available and does not require school involvement.
PLUS Loan A federal loan for parents of dependent undergraduate students. Available to parents, not students, and based on credit history.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you may qualify for a Federal Perkins Loan, start by contacting the financial aid office at your school. They can provide guidance on the application process and eligibility requirements. If you are already a borrower, ensure you understand your repayment options. For assistance, consider exploring US Legal Forms for templates that can help you manage your loans and repayment plans. If your situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Loan Amount $500 to $5,500 per year
Interest Rate Fixed at 5 percent
Repayment Start Nine months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment
Eligibility Based on financial need

Key takeaways