Loans, unlike grants, are a type of financial aid that must be repaid. RCC offers 2 types of Federal Stafford Loans to qualifying students: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. Subsidized eligibility is automatically calculated first as it’s the least expensive loan for the student (interest is paid by the federal government while the student is in school). Maximum eligibility at the time of certification is awarded. RCC encourages students who do not need their maximum eligibility to notify Rogue Central Services to Students so that a reduction/cancellation can be processed. RCC recommends that students consider limiting borrowing to only subsidized eligibility if they are eligible for it. Click here to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan.

Federal Stafford Loan (FSL)

Stafford Loans are the U.S. Department of Education's major form of self-help aid. Application is good for one school year but there are deadlines to apply to receive a loan for a given term.

The Subsidized Stafford Loan is a deferred interest signature loan based on financial need.

• If you qualify, the federal government pays the interest on your loan while you are in school, during a six-month grace period after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment, and during any period of authorized deferment (postponement of payment).

The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not limited to financial need.

• Interest begins to accrue as soon as you receive money.
  
• You may choose to pay the interest while you are in school, or the interest can be "capitalized" and paid later. (Capitalization is not recommended as interest can add up).
  
• For a dependent student, the limits for combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are $3,500for the first year of a program and $4,500 for the documented second year (at least 36 program credits completed).
• An independent student may be eligible for additional unsubsidized dollars of up to $4,000. (Thus a total of $7500 for first year and $8500 for documented second year students.)
  
• Repayment begins six months after you leave school or drop below half-time.

Alternative Student Loan(s)
To learn more about the availability of alternative loans to RCC students, click here.