| Interest rates | 0% while in school. 5.50% fixed rate for loans disbursed after 7/1/2023 | 5.50% fixed rate for loans disbursed after 7/1/2023 | 8.05% fixed rate for loans disbursed after 7/1/2023 | Varies, based on the lender and the credit scores of borrower (and co-signer) |
| Eligibility | Must complete FAFSA and have at least half-time enrollment | Must complete FAFSA, at least half-time enrollment | Must complete FAFSA, must be a parent of an undergraduate dependent student, at least half-time enrollment | Varies |
| Lender | U.S. Department of Education | U.S. Department of Education | U.S. Department of Education | Varies |
| Loan amount (annual maximum) | See below | See below | Total cost of attendance (COA) minus all other accepted aid | Varies |
| Aggregate limits | See below | See below | None | Varies |
| Fees | 1.057% | 1.057% | 4.228% | Varies |
| Principal repayment | 6 months after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment | 6 months after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment | 60 days after final disbursement per loan. May choose to defer payments until six months after the date the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. | Varies |
| Other considerations | No co-signer needed, may consolidate, no credit-check required | No cosigner needed, may consolidate, no credit-check required, accrues interest while in school, may postpone in-school interest repayments | Parent borrower must pass credit check, an endorser may be used if parent's credit is denied, may consolidate, parent borrower is responsible for repayment | Varies |