Can I defer my loans if I am in graduate school?

Yes, it is possible to defer federal student loans while you are enrolled in graduate school. The U.S. Department of Education offers a deferment option for students who are attending at least half-time in an eligible degree program. This means that if you are pursuing a graduate degree and meeting the enrollment criteria, you may be able to postpone your loan payments for a certain time frame, usually until you complete your studies or drop below the half-time enrollment status. To initiate the deferment process, you will typically need to contact your loan servicer and provide documentation of your enrollment. It is important to ensure you comply with their specific requirements and timelines for submitting deferment requests. During the deferment period, interest may continue to accrue on some types of loans, such as unsubsidized loans, so it is crucial to understand the implications for your overall loan balance. For more detailed information on deferment, including the specific eligibility criteria and application process, it is advisable to visit the official website of the U.S. Department of Education or consult the resources available at studentaid.gov.