For all Stafford loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent.
This change from a variable to a fixed interest rate does not affect a borrower's variable interest rate on loans made before July 1, 2006.
For Stafford Loans first disbursed between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2006, the interest rate is variable (adjusted annually on July 1st) but will not exceed 8.25 percent. (You'll be notified any time the variable rate changes.) The interest rate for these loans in 2007-08 is 7.22 percent. (This rate applies to loans in repayment status; the rate may be lower during grace and deferment periods.)
