Title 20, EducationRelease 119-110

§1077a Applicable Interest Rates

Title 20 › CHAPTER 28 — HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE › SUBCHAPTER IV — STUDENT ASSISTANCE › Part B — Federal Family Education Loan Program › § 1077a

Last updated Sep 23, 2026|Official source

Summary

Sets how interest rates are set for different federal student loans. For loans covering instruction starting on or after January 1, 1981, a borrower who already had a loan with an interest rate of 7% or less when signing a new loan cannot be charged more than 7% on the new loan. Borrowers with no such existing loan generally face 9%, except that the rate becomes 8% for loans covering enrollment that begins three months after the Secretary finds the 12‑month average of 91‑day Treasury bill rates is 9% or less. Supplemental student and parent loans made on or after October 1, 1981 start at 14%, can drop to 12% if the 12‑month Treasury bill average is 14% or less, and may return to 14% if that average rises; from July 1, 1987 such loans can instead use a yearly variable rate based on Treasury yields plus a fixed percentage (3.25% or later 3.1%), with maximum caps that depend on the loan type and date. Later rules change rates for loans made on certain dates. New borrowers with no prior loans who get loans for enrollment on or after July 1, 1988 pay 8% during repayment for the first four years and 10% after that. Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 1992 use the 91‑day Treasury bill rate plus 3.10% (capped at 9%). Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1994 use the 91‑day Treasury bill plus 3.10% (capped at 8.25%). Interest that accrues while a student is in school or in a grace period for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 1995 is capped at the 91‑day Treasury bill rate plus 2.5% (cap 8.25%). For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1998 the rate equals a comparable‑maturity Treasury rate plus 1.0% (cap 8.25%), with PLUS loans getting Treasury plus 2.1% (cap 9.0%). Special date ranges between 1998 and 2006 set formulas using Treasury yields plus 2.3% or 3.1% and set rules for PLUS and consolidation loans (consolidation rates are the lesser of a weighted average or 8.25%). For loans first disbursed July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2010 the general rate was 6.8% (PLUS 8.5%); consolidation loans used the lesser of a weighted average or 8.25%; undergraduate subsidized loans had lower rates in stages (6.8%, then 6.0%, then 5.6%). Lenders may charge less than these rates. Periods of instruction and enrollment are determined by the lender or the school.

Full Legal Text

Title 20, §1077a

Education, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Rates to be consistent for borrower’s entire debt
With respect to any loan to cover the cost of instruction for any period of instruction beginning on or after January 1, 1981, the rate of interest applicable to any borrower shall—
(1)not exceed 7 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan in the case of any borrower who, on the date of entering into the note or other written evidence of that loan, has an outstanding balance of principal or interest on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part, for which the interest rate does not exceed 7 percent;
(2)except as provided in paragraph (3), be 9 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan in the case of any borrower who, on the date of entering into the note or other written evidence of that loan, has no outstanding balance of principal or interest on any loan described in paragraph (1) or any loan for which the interest rate is determined under paragraph (1); or
(3)be 8 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan for a loan to cover the cost of education for any period of enrollment beginning on or after a date which is 3 months after a determination made under subsection (b) in the case of any borrower who, on the date of entering into the note or other written evidence of the loan, has no outstanding balance of principal or interest on any loan for which the interest rate is determined under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection.
(b)Reduction for new borrowers after decline in Treasury bill rates
If for any 12-month period beginning on or after January 1, 1981, the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 12-month period is equal to or less than 9 percent, the interest rate for loans under this part shall be the rate prescribed in subsection (a)(3) for borrowers described in such subsection.
(c)Rates for supplemental loans for students and loans for parents
(1)In general
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the applicable rate of interest on loans made pursuant to section 1078–1 or 1078–2 of this title on or after October 1, 1981, shall be 14 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(2)Reduction of rate after decline in Treasury bill rates
If for any 12-month period beginning on or after October 1, 1981, the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 12-month period is equal to or less than 14 percent, the applicable rate of interest for loans made pursuant to section 1078–1 1 or 1078–2 of this title on and after the first day of the first month beginning after the date of publication of such determination shall be 12 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(3)Increase of rate after increase in Treasury bill rates
If for any 12-month period beginning on or after the date of publication of a determination under paragraph (2), the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 12-month period exceeds 14 percent, the applicable rate of interest for loans made pursuant to section 1078–1 1 or 1078–2 of this title on and after the first day of the first month beginning after the date of publication of that determination under this paragraph shall be 14 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(4)Availability of variable rates
(A)For any loan made pursuant to section 1078–1 1 or 1078–2 of this title and disbursed on or after July 1, 1987, or any loan made pursuant to such section prior to such date that is refinanced pursuant to section 1078–1(d) 1 or 1078–2(d) of this title, the applicable rate of interest during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 shall be determined under subparagraph (B), except that such rate shall not exceed 12 percent.
(B)(i)For any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on or before June 30, 2001, the rate determined under this subparagraph is determined on the preceding June 1 and is equal to—
(I)the bond equivalent rate of 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(II)3.25 percent.
(ii)For any 12-month period beginning on July 1 of 2001 or any succeeding year, the rate determined under this subparagraph is determined on the preceding June 26 and is equal to—
(I)the weekly average 1-year constant maturity Treasury yield, as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, for the last calendar week ending on or before such June 26; plus
(II)3.25 percent.
(C)The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under subparagraph (B) after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(D)Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)—
(i)for any loan made pursuant to section 1078–1 1 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1992—
(I)subparagraph (B) shall be applied by substituting “3.1” for “3.25”; and
(II)the interest rate shall not exceed 11 percent; and
(ii)for any loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1992—
(I)subparagraph (B) shall be applied by substituting “3.1” for “3.25”; and
(II)the interest rate shall not exceed 10 percent.
(E)Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (D) for any loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1994—
(i)subparagraph (B) shall be applied by substituting “3.1” for “3.25”; and
(ii)the interest rate shall not exceed 9 percent.
(d)Interest rates for new borrowers after July 1, 1988
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, with respect to any loan (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–1,1 1078–2, and 1078–3 of this title) to cover the cost of instruction for any period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1988, to any borrower who, on the date of entering into the note or other written evidence of the loan, has no outstanding balance of principal or interest on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part, the applicable rate of interest shall be—
(1)8 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan during the period beginning on the date of the disbursement of the loan and ending 4 years after the commencement of repayment; and
(2)10 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan during the remainder of the repayment period.
(e)Interest rates for new borrowers after October 1, 1992
(1)In general
Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), and (d) of this section, with respect to any loan (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–1,1 1078–2 and 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1992, to any borrower who, on the date of entering into the note or other written evidence of the loan, has no outstanding balance of principal or interest on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under section 1077, 1078, or 1078–8 of this title, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A)the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(B)3.10 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent.
(2)Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under paragraph (1) after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(f)Interest rates for new loans after July 1, 1994
(1)In general
Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), (d), and (e) of this section, with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1994, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A)the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(B)3.10 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(2)Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under paragraph (1) after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(g)In school and grace period rules
(1)General rule
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (f), but subject to subsection (h), with respect to any loan under section 1078 or 1078–8 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1995, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues—
(A)prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or
(B)during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in section 1078(b)(1)(M) or 1077(a)(2)(C) of this title,
shall not exceed the rate determined under paragraph (2).
(2)Rate determination
For purposes of paragraph (1), the rate determined under this paragraph shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A)the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to such June 1; plus
(B)2.5 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(3)Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under this subsection after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(h)Interest rates for new loans after July 1, 1998
(1)In general
Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this section, with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 and 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A)the bond equivalent rate of the securities with a comparable maturity as established by the Secretary; plus
(B)1.0 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(2)Interest rates for new PLUS loans after July 1, 1998
Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), (d), (e), (f), and (g), with respect to any loan made under section 1078–2 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, paragraph (1) shall be applied—
(A)by substituting “2.1 percent” for “1.0 percent” in subparagraph (B); and
(B)by substituting “9.0 percent” for “8.25 percent” in the matter following such subparagraph.
(3)Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under this subsection after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(i)Treatment of excess interest payments on new borrower accounts resulting from decline in Treasury bill rates
(1)Excess interest on 10 percent loans
If, with respect to a loan for which the applicable interest rate is 10 percent under subsection (d) of this section at the close of any calendar quarter, the sum of the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for that quarter and 3.25 percent is less than 10 percent, then an adjustment shall be made to a borrower’s account—
(A)by calculating excess interest in the amount computed under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
(B)(i)during any period in which a student is eligible to have interest payments paid on his or her behalf by the Government pursuant to section 1078(a) of this title, by crediting the excess interest to the Government; or
(ii)during any other period, by crediting such excess interest to the reduction of principal to the extent provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection.
(2)Amount of adjustment for 10 percent loans
The amount of any adjustment of interest on a loan to be made under this subsection for any quarter shall be equal to—
(A)10 percent minus the sum of (i) the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such calendar quarter, and (ii) 3.25 percent; multiplied by
(B)the average daily principal balance of the loan (not including unearned interest added to principal) during such calendar quarter; divided by
(C)four.
(3)Excess interest on loans after 1992 amendments, to borrowers with outstanding balances
If, with respect to a loan made on or after July 23, 1992, to a borrower, who on the date of entering into the note or other written evidence of the loan, has an outstanding balance of principal or interest on any other loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part, the sum of the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for that quarter and 3.1 percent is less than the applicable interest rate, then an adjustment shall be made—
(A)by calculating excess interest in the amount computed under paragraph (4) of this subsection; and
(B)(i)during any period in which a student is eligible to have interest payments paid on his or her behalf by the Government pursuant to section 1078(a) of this title, by crediting the excess interest to the Government; or
(ii)during any other period, by crediting such excess interest to the reduction of principal to the extent provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection.
(4)Amount of adjustment
The amount of any adjustment of interest on a loan to be made under this subsection for any quarter shall be equal to—
(A)the applicable interest rate minus the sum of (i) the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such calendar quarter, and (ii) 3.1 percent; multiplied by
(B)the average daily principal balance of the loan (not including unearned interest added to principal) during such calendar quarter; divided by
(C)four.
(5)Annual adjustment of interest and borrower eligibility for credit
Any adjustment amount computed pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection for any quarter shall be credited, by the holder of the loan on the last day of the calendar year in which such quarter falls, to the loan account of the borrower so as to reduce the principal balance of such account. No such credit shall be made to the loan account of a borrower who on the last day of the calendar year is delinquent for more than 30 days in making a required payment on the loan, but the excess interest shall be calculated and credited to the Secretary. Any credit which is to be made to a borrower’s account pursuant to this subsection shall be made effective commencing no later than 30 days following the last day of the calendar year in which the quarter falls for which the credit is being made. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require refunding any repayment of a loan. At the option of the lender, the amount of such adjustment may be distributed to the borrower either by reduction in the amount of the periodic payment on loan, by reducing the number of payments that shall be made with respect to the loan, or by reducing the amount of the final payment of the loan. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the lender to make additional disclosures pursuant to section 1083(b) of this title.
(6)Publication of Treasury bill rate
For the purpose of enabling holders of loans to make the determinations and adjustments provided for in this subsection, the Secretary shall for each calendar quarter commencing with the quarter beginning on July 1, 1987, publish a notice of the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such quarter. Such notice shall be published not later than 7 days after the end of the quarter to which the notice relates.
(7)Conversion to variable rate
(A)Subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), a lender or holder shall convert the interest rate on a loan that is made pursuant to this part and is subject to the provisions of this subsection to a variable rate. Such conversion shall occur not later than January 1, 1995, and, commencing on the date of conversion, the applicable interest rate for each 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 shall be determined by the Secretary on the June 1 preceding each such 12-month period and be equal to the sum of (i) the bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to such June 1; and (ii) 3.25 percent in the case of loans described in paragraph (1), or 3.10 percent in the case of loans described in paragraph (3).
(B)In connection with the conversion specified in subparagraph (A) for any period prior to such conversion, and subject to paragraphs (C) and (D), a lender or holder shall convert the interest rate to a variable rate on a loan that is made pursuant to this part and is subject to the provisions of this subsection to a variable rate. The interest rates for such period shall be reset on a quarterly basis and the applicable interest rate for any quarter or portion thereof shall equal the sum of (i) the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-Treasury bills auctioned for the preceding 3-month period, and (ii) 3.25 percent in the case of loans described in paragraph (1) or 3.10 percent in the case of loans described in paragraph (3). The rebate of excess interest derived through this conversion shall be provided to the borrower as specified in paragraph (5) for loans described in paragraph (1) or to the Government and borrower as specified in paragraph (3).
(C)A lender or holder of a loan being converted pursuant to this paragraph shall complete such conversion on or before January 1, 1995. The lender or holder shall notify the borrower that the loan shall be converted to a variable interest rate and provide a description of the rate to the borrower not later than 30 days prior to the conversion. The notice shall advise the borrower that such rate shall be calculated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this paragraph and shall provide the borrower with a substantially equivalent benefit as the adjustment otherwise provided for under this subsection. Such notice may be incorporated into the disclosure required under section 1083(b) of this title if such disclosure has not been previously made.
(D)The interest rate on a loan converted to a variable rate pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed the maximum interest rate applicable to the loan prior to such conversion.
(E)Loans on which the interest rate is converted in accordance with subparagraph (A) or (B) shall not be subject to any other provisions of this subsection.
(j)Interest rates for new loans between July 1, 1998, and October 1, 1998
(1)In general
Notwithstanding subsection (h), but subject to paragraph (2), with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A)the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(B)2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(2)In school and grace period rules
Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect to any loan under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues—
(A)prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or
(B)during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in section 1078(b)(1)(M) or 1077(a)(2)(C) of this title,
shall be determined under paragraph (1) by substituting “1.7 percent” for “2.3 percent”.
(3)PLUS loans
Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect to any loan under section 1078–2 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to the lesser of— (A)
(B)9.0 percent.
(4)Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under this subsection after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(k)Interest rates for new loans on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006
(1)In general
Notwithstanding subsection (h) and subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to—
(A)the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
(B)2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
(2)In school and grace period rules
Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect to any loan under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues—
(A)prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or
(B)during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in section 1077(a)(2)(C) or 1078(b)(1)(M) of this title,
shall be determined under paragraph (1) by substituting “1.7 percent” for “2.3 percent”.
(3)PLUS loans
Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect to any loan under section 1078–2 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest shall be determined under paragraph (1)—
(A)by substituting “3.1 percent” for “2.3 percent”; and
(B)by substituting “9.0 percent” for “8.25 percent”.
(4)Consolidation loans
With respect to any consolidation loan under section 1078–3 of this title for which the application is received by an eligible lender on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2006, the applicable rate of interest shall be at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to the lesser of— (A)
(B)8.25 percent.
(5)Consultation
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under this subsection after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination.
(l)Interest rates for new loans on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2010
(1)In general
Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2010, the applicable rate of interest shall be 6.8 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(2)PLUS loans
Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect to any loan under section 1078–2 of this title for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2010, the applicable rate of interest shall be 8.5 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(3)Consolidation loans
With respect to any consolidation loan under section 1078–3 of this title for which the application is received by an eligible lender on or after July 1, 2006, and that was disbursed before July 1, 2010, the applicable rate of interest shall be at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to the lesser of— (A)
(B)8.25 percent.
(4)Reduced rates for undergraduate subsidized loans
Notwithstanding subsection (h) and paragraph (1) of this subsection, with respect to any loan to an undergraduate student made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made pursuant to section 1078–2, 1078–3, or 1078–8 of this title) for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2010, the applicable rate of interest shall be as follows:
(A)For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006, and before July 1, 2008, 6.8 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(B)For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009, 6.0 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(C)For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, 5.6 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.
(m)Lesser rates permitted
Nothing in this section or section 1078–3 of this title shall be construed to prohibit a lender from charging a borrower interest at a rate less than the rate which is applicable under this part.
(n)Definitions
For the purpose of subsections (a) and (d) of this section— (1)
(2)the term “period of enrollment” shall be the period for which the loan is made as determined by the institution of higher education and shall coincide with academic terms such as academic year, semester, trimester, quarter, or other academic period as defined by such institution.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

section 1078–1 of this title, referred to in subsecs. (c) to (e)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, § 4047(b)–(d), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 364, eff. July 1, 1994, except with respect to loans provided under that section as it existed prior to Aug. 10, 1993. Subsequently, a new section 1078–1, relating to voluntary flexible agreements with guaranty agencies, was enacted by Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, § 418, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1691. Codification

Amendments

by section 2(c)(6)–(10) of Pub. L. 103–208 (which were effective as if included in Pub. L. 102–325) were executed to this section as amended by Pub. L. 102–325 and Pub. L. 103–66, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1077a, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 427A, as added Pub. L. 96–374, title IV, § 415(a)(1), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1419; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title V, § 534(a)(1), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 454; Pub. L. 98–79, § 5(a), (b)(1), Aug. 15, 1983, 97 Stat. 481, 482, prescribed applicable interest rates on loans, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.

Amendments

2010—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2203(1), inserted “and before
July 1, 2010” in heading. Subsec. (l)(1), (2). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2203(2), (3), inserted “and before
July 1, 2010,” after “
July 1, 2006,”. Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2203(4), inserted “and that was disbursed before
July 1, 2010,” after “
July 1, 2006,”. Subsec. (l)(4). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2203(5)(A), substituted “
July 1, 2010” for “
July 1, 2012” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (l)(4)(D), (E). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2203(5)(B), struck out subpars. (D) and (E) which read as follows: “(D) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after
July 1, 2010, and before
July 1, 2011, 4.5 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan. “(E) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after
July 1, 2011, and before
July 1, 2012, 3.4 percent on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.” 2007—Subsec. (l)(4). Pub. L. 110–84 added par. (4). 2006—Subsec. (l)(2). Pub. L. 109–171 substituted “8.5 percent” for “7.9 percent”. 2002—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 107–139, § 1(c), substituted “2006” for “2003” in heading and “
July 1, 2006,” for “
July 1, 2003,” wherever appearing in text. Subsecs. (l) to (n). Pub. L. 107–139, § 1(a)(1), added subsec. (l) and redesignated former subsecs. (l) and (m) as (m) and (n), respectively. 2000—Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 106–554 amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “For any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, the rate determined under this subparagraph is determined on the preceding June 1 and is equal to— “(i) the bond equivalent rate of 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus “(ii) 3.25 percent.” 1998—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k). Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l). Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l). Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (m). Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l). Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (l) as (m). 1993—Subsec. (c)(4)(E). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4101(1), added subpar. (E). Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(5), substituted “under section 1077, 1078, or 1078–8 of this title” for “under this part”. Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4101(3), added subsecs. (f) to (h). Former subsecs. (f) to (h) redesignated (i) to (k), respectively. Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4101(2), redesignated subsec. (f) as (i). Subsec. (i)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(6), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “by crediting the excess interest to the reduction of principal to the extent provided for under paragraph (5) of this subsection.” See Codification note above. Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(7), substituted “average daily principal balance” for “outstanding principal balance” and “during” for “at the end of”. See Codification note above. Subsec. (i)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(8), substituted “average daily principal balance” for “outstanding principal balance” and “during” for “at the end of”. See Codification note above. Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(9)(A)(i), (B), substituted “paragraphs (2) and (4)” for “paragraph (2)” in first sentence and inserted “, but the excess interest shall be calculated and credited to the Secretary” after “required payment on the loan” in second sentence. See Codification note above. Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(9)(A)(ii), which directed substitution of “principal” for “principle” in first sentence, could not be executed because the word “principle” does not appear in text. Subsec. (i)(7). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(10), added par. (7). See Codification note above. Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4101(2), redesignated subsecs. (g) and (h) as (j) and (k), respectively. 1992—Subsec. (c)(4)(D). Pub. L. 102–325, § 415(a), added subpar. (D). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–325, § 415(c)(2), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f). Pub. L. 102–325, § 415(b), amended par. (1) heading and substituted “paragraph (5)” for “paragraph (3)” in par. (1)(B), amended par. (2) heading, added pars. (3) and (4), redesignated former par. (3) as (5), struck out “or” before “by reducing the number” and inserted “, or by reducing the amount of the final payment of the loan. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the lender to make additional disclosures pursuant to section 1083(b) of this title” before period at end, redesignated former par. (4) as (6), and struck out former par. (5) which provided for study of treatment of excess interest payments provisions. Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 102–325, § 415(c)(1), redesignated subsecs. (e) to (g) as (f) to (h), respectively. 1987—Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(d)(1)(A), (B), substituted “and disbursed on or after
July 1, 1987” for “to cover the cost of instruction for any period of enrollment beginning on or after
July 1, 1987” and “any 12-month period beginning on or after July 1 and ending on June 30” for “any calendar year”. Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(d)(1)(C), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “For any calendar year, the rate determined under this subparagraph is determined on December 15 preceding such calendar year and is equal to— “(i) the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned during the 12 months ending on November 30 preceding such calendar year; plus “(ii) 3.75 percent.”

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

of 2007 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 110–84 effective Oct. 1, 2007, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 110–84, set out as a note under section 1070a of this title.

Effective Date

of 2006 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 109–171 effective July 1, 2006, except as otherwise provided, see section 8001(c) of Pub. L. 109–171, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date

of 1998 Amendment Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, § 416(c), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1682, provided that: “The

Amendments

made by this section [amending this section and section 1078–2, 1078–3, and 1087–1 of this title] shall apply with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.] for which the first disbursement is made on or after
October 1, 1998, and before
July 1, 2003, except that such

Amendments

shall apply with respect to any loan made under section 428C of such Act [20 U.S.C. 1078–3] for which the application is received by an eligible lender on or after
October 1, 1998, and before
July 1, 2003.”

Effective Date

of 1993 AmendmentAmendment by section 2(c)(5) of Pub. L. 103–208 effective on and after Dec. 20, 1993, and amendment by section 2(c)(6)–(10) of Pub. L. 103–208 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the Higher Education

Amendments

of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, see section 5(a), (b)(2) of Pub. L. 103–208, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.

Effective Date

of 1987 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–50 effective as if enacted as part of the Higher Education

Amendments

of 1986, Pub. L. 99–498, see section 27 of Pub. L. 100–50, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

20 U.S.C. § 1077a

Title 20, Education

Last Updated

Sep 23, 2026

Release point: 119-110