After two years of decreases, interest rates on federal student loans are set to increase almost a full percentage point for the 2021-2022 school year.(1) The interest rates on federal student loans are reset each year after the May auction of the 10-year Treasury note.
The rates apply to new federal student loans issued on or after July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.
Subsidized vs. unsubsidized: what's the difference?
With subsidized loans, the federal government pays the interest that accrues while the borrower is in school, during the six-month grace period after graduation, and during any loan deferment periods. With unsubsidized loans, the borrower is responsible for paying the interest during these periods. Only undergraduate students are eligible for subsidized loans, and eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need.