[20070720]RS22568_斯塔福德贷款利率下调：背景和问题.pdf

1 An earlier version of this report examined the interest rate reductions proposed in H.R. 5. Thisreport has been updated to examine the interest rate reductions in H.R. 2669. Order Code RS22568Updated July 20, 2007Stafford Loan Interest Rate Reduction:Background and IssuesDavid P. SmoleSpecialist in Social LegislationDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummarySubsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans are the primary sources of federal loanaid available to assist students finance the costs of a postsecondary education. Theseloans are made available under both the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL)program and the William D. Ford Direct Loan (DL) program. Through these programs,students may borrow loans with terms and conditions that are generally more favorablethan loans from private lenders. Effective July 1, 2006, the interest rate on new StaffordLoans is fixed at 6.8%. For loans made on or after October 1, 1992, and prior to July1, 2006, interest rates are variable and adjust annually. Among other things, H.R. 2669,as passed by the House, would reduce interest rates on subsidized Stafford Loans thatare disbursed to undergraduate students from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2013. This re