Federal Perkins Loan

The Federal Perkins Loan used to be known as National Direct Student Loans (NDSL). This loan is the regarded as the best of the federally subsidized loans, and is given to students who are in high financial need. Currently, the interest rate is at a low 5%.

Perkins loans are made to students and do not require a parent to cosign. The student is required to begin repayment after they graduate, leave college, or qualify for half-time student status. Interest on these loans does not accrue during the time the student attends college, and students are given up to ten years to repay the entire loan amount. Repayment begins nine months after the student graduates or drops below half-time student status.

The money for Perkins loans comes from the government, but is administered by colleges