The Federal Stafford Loan program offers both subsidized and unsubsidized loans for college students. The former does not accrue interest, meaning the student will only have to pay back the principal amount. These are need-based loans available to students from lower income families. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not based on financial need. These loans do accure interest over time, and the maximum anount that can be borrowed is $2,000 per year for dependent undergraduate students and $6,000 per year for independent underclassman students.