In School Deferments

To receive an in-school deferment, the borrower must be enrolled at least half-time as a regular student at an eligible institution of higher education or comparable institution outside the United States approved by the Department of Education for deferment purposes. A regular student is one who is enrolled for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate. Half-time status is defined as at least 6 credits per semester for undergraduate students and at least 3 credits per semester for graduate students.

Schools may grant deferments based on student enrollment information provided by third-party servicers or other schools. This is the only circumstance when a student deferment does not have to be requested in writing. The enrollment information must establish that the borrower is enrolled as a regular student on at least a half-time basis. If a school grants deferment based on this information, the school granting the deferment must notify the borrower of the deferment and offer the option to cancel the deferment and continue repayment of the loan.

Please note that you are not eligible for in-school deferment while serving in a medical internship or residency program, except for a program in dentistry.

Download Deferment Form

If submitting a written request for deferment, you are required to submit a form each term/semester that you qualify for a student deferment. Also, please be sure that your enrollment is not certified before the date classes begin.