Students qualify for the subsidized Stafford loan based on financial need, which is determined in part by the cost of attending a school.

WSJ: Does the New Student-Loan Legislation Go Far Enough?

More student borrowers turn to subsidized Stafford loans than any other type of college loan.

WSJ: Does the New Student-Loan Legislation Go Far Enough?

Some Stafford loans are subsidized, which means the government will pay for the interest on the loan accrued while the student is in school for at least part of the time.

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