Although interest accrued on the loan, Sollberger stopped receiving account statements and making interest payments after the first quarter of 2005, less than one year into the seven-year loan term.

FORBES: Sometimes You Should Just Pay The Tax

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.

FORBES: Intelligetn Investing Panel