Niche College Scholarship
Updated: November 18, 2015

Federal Perkins Loans

What is a Federal Perkins Loan?

A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest loan for both undergraduate and graduate students. The interest rate for a Perkins loan is 5%. Your school is the lender. The loan is made with government funds, and your school contributes a share. Repay Perkins loans to your school.

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How much can I borrow?

You can borrow up to:

Other than interest, is there any charge to take out loans?

No, there are no fees to take out loans. If you skip a payment, make a late payment, or make less than a full payment, you will be charged a fee. If you continuously avoid payments, you will pay collection costs on top of your fees.

How will I be paid?

Your school will either pay you directly by check, or credit your account. You will receive the loan in at least two payments throughout the academic year.

Can I cancel the loan if I change my mind, even if I’ve signed the promissory note agreeing to the loan’s terms?

Yes. Your school must notify you in writing whenever your account is credited. Your school has to notify you no earlier than 30 days before, and no later than 30 days after your account is credited. You can cancel all or a portion of your loan within 14 days after you’ve received the notification, or by the first day of the payment period (whichever is later). To refuse funds made directly by check, return the check.

When do I pay back this loan?

If you’re attending school at least half time, you have a nine month grace period before you have to pay. The grace period begins right after you graduate, leave school, or are enrolled less than half time. Those who are active duty in the military, check if you are eligible for a longer grace period. If you’re enrolled less than half time, check with your financial aid administrator about your grace period. At the end of your grace period, you must begin repaying your loan. You are allowed up to 10 years to pay off your loans.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has issued special guidance for those called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. If a borrower’s loans are in an in-school status, in-school deferment status, or in a grace period when the borrower is ordered to active duty or reassigned, the loan holder must maintain the loans in that status during the period of the borrower’s active duty service or reassignment, plus the time necessary for the borrower to resume enrollment in the next regular enrollment period reasonably available to the borrower. The maintenance of loan status cannot exceed a total of three years, including the period of time necessary for the borrower to resume enrollment.

For a borrower whose loans are in repayment, the loan holder must grant a forbearance (temporary suspension of repayment) for the expected period of the borrower’s active duty status, beginning on the first day of active duty, not to exceed one year. Forbearance beyond the initial period will require supporting documentation and a written agreement by the borrower.

For more information about loan repayment options that might be available to a borrower in this situation, the loan holder should be contacted directly.

How much will I have to repay each month?

Your monthly payment amount will depend on the size of your debt and the length of your repayment period. The table below shows typical monthly payments and total interest charges for three different 5-percent loans over a 10-year period.

Examples of Typical Payments for Perkins Loan Repayment

Total Loan Amount Number of Payments Monthly Payment Total Interest Charges Total Charges
$4,000 120 $42.43 $1,091.01 $5,091.01
$5,000 120 $53.03 $1,364.03 $6,364.03
$15,000 120 $159.10 $4,091.73 $19,091.73

Are there any tax credits available for paying back these loans?

Yes, there are tax incentives for certain higher education expenses, including a deduction for interest on student loans for certain borrowers. This benefit applies to federal and nonfederal loans used to pay for postsecondary education costs. The maximum deduction is $2,500 a year. IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, explains these credits and other tax benefits. You can find out more by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. TTY callers can call 1-800-829-4059.

Is it ever possible to postpone repayment of my Federal Perkins Loan?

Yes, under certain conditions, you can receive a "deferment" or "forbearance" on your loan, as long as the loan isn’t in default. During a deferment, you’re allowed to temporarily postpone payments, and no interest accrues (accumulates). Look under "Perkins Loans" on the Loan Deferment Summary Chart for the list of deferments available. Also, the school that made you your loan must automatically defer your Federal Perkins Loan(s) during any periods where you perform a service that qualifies you for loan cancellation. (See below for a description of loan cancellation; see the next page for a list of service cancellations.)

Deferments are not automatic. You must apply for one through your school, generally by using a deferment request form your school can give you. You must file your deferment request on time or you’ll pay a late charge. For more details on deferments, contact your school’s financial aid office. If you are temporarily unable to meet your repayment schedule but aren’t eligible for a deferment, you can receive forbearance for a limited and specific period. During forbearance, your payments are postponed or reduced, or your repayment period might be extended. Interest continues to accrue, however, and you’re responsible for paying it. Forbearance isn’t automatic, either. You may be granted forbearance in intervals of up to 12 months at a time for up to three years. You must apply in writing for forbearance to the school that made your loan or to the agency the school employs to service your loan. You’ll have to provide documentation to show why you should be granted forbearance. You must continue making scheduled payments until you’re notified that deferment or forbearance has been granted. Otherwise, you could become delinquent or go into default.

Is it ever possible to have my Federal Perkins Loan canceled?

Yes. Federal Perkins Loans can be canceled if the borrower dies or becomes totally and permanently disabled. A loan can also qualify for cancellation under other conditions, as long as you’re not in default. See the table below for the list of cancellation provisions. For more information, contact your financial aid office. If you serve as an enlisted person in certain specialties of the Armed Forces, the U.S. Department of Defense might, as an enlistment incentive, repay a portion of your student loans. Note that this is not a cancellation. For more information, contact your recruiting officer. Another type of repayment assistance (again, not a cancellation) is available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program (NELRP). This program will help repay student loans for registered nurses in exchange for their service in eligible facilities located in areas experiencing a shortage of nurses. All NELRP participants must enter into a contract agreeing to provide full-time employment in an approved eligible health facility (EHF) for two or three years. In return, the NELRP will pay 60 percent of the participant’s total qualifying loan balance for two years or 85 percent of the participant’s total qualifying loan balance for three years. For more information, call NELRP, toll-free, at 1-866-813-3753 or visit www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm. If you have any questions about the terms of your Federal Perkins Loan, repayment obligations, deferment, forbearance, or cancellation, check with the school that made you the loan. Only that school may grant deferment, forbearance, or cancellation, or make other decisions concerning your loan.

Federal Perkins Loan Discharge/Cancellation Summary

Cancellation Conditions Amount Forgiven Notes
Borrower's total and permanent disability or death 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time teacher in a designated elementary or secondary school serving students from low-income families Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time special education teacher (includes teaching children with disabilities in a public or other nonprofit elementary or secondary school) Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time qualified professional provider of early intervention services for the disabled Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time teacher of math, science, foreign languages, bilingual education, or in other fields designated as teacher shortage areas Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time employee of a public or non-profit child- or family-services agency providing services to high-risk children and their families from low-income communities Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time nurse or medical technician Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Service as a full-time law enforcement or corrections officer Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Full-time staff member in the education component of a Head Start Program Up to 100% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Vista or Peace Corps volunteer Up to 70% Service also qualifies for deferment.
Service in the U.S. Armed Forces Up to 50% in areas of hostilities or imminent danger Service also qualifies for deferment.
Bankruptcy (in rare cases) Up to 100% Cancellation is possible only if the bankruptcy court rules that repayment would cause undue hardship.
Closed school (before student could complete program of study) 100% For loans received on or after January 1, 1986.