Mechanics Bank, in partnership with Education Services Foundation, offers the Stafford Loan for students.

With ESF as your lender, you will have fast, efficient processing of your loan and convenient online loan applications and loan tracking.

To qualify for a Federal Stafford Loan, you must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Click here for more information on the FAFSA. After your FAFSA is processed, your school will review the results and will inform you about your loan eligibility. You also will have to sign a promissory note, a binding legal document that lists the conditions under which you're borrowing and the terms under which you agree to repay your loan.

Types of Federal Stafford Loans:
Both types of Stafford Loans require completion of the FAFSA annually.

(a) Subsidized - Eligibility is based on financial need and the federal government pays interest on the loan until repayment.

(b) Unsubsidized - Eligibility is not based on financial need. You are responsible for paying the interest, although payment may be deferred while you are in school.

Annual Loan Limits for Federal Stafford Loan
Freshman, dependent on parents: $3,500
Freshman, independent: $7,500

Sophomore, dependent: $4,500
Sophomore, independent: $8,500

Junior, dependent: $5,500
Junior, independent: $10,500

Senior, dependent: $5,500
Senior, independent: $10,500

All graduate/professional students: $20,500

Lifetime Stafford loan limits:
Dependent undergraduate: $23,000
Independent undergraduate: $46,000
Graduate/professional, including undergrad: $138,500

Stafford Loan Fees and Interest Rate
There are two federal fees associated with a Stafford Loan which will be deducted from the amount you borrow. 

For loans guaranteed on or after April 1, 2008, and disbursed prior to July 1, 2008:

	1.5% origination fee
	0% to 1% default fee, based on guarantor of the loan

For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2008:

	1% origination fee
	0% to 1% default fee, based on guarantor of the loan