Loan Deferments

A deferment is a period of time during which no payments are required and interest does not accrue unless you have an unsubsidized Stafford Loan. In that case, you must pay the interest. To qualify for a deferment, you must meet specific eligibility requirements.

The most common loan deferment conditions are enrollment in school at least half-time, inability to find full-time employment (up to three years), and economic hardship (for up to three years).

A parent PLUS loan borrower may receive a deferment based on the dependent student’s half-time enrollment.

An active duty military deferment is available for loans first disbursed on or after July 12, 2001. The deferment may not exceed three years and is available only for periods when the borrower is serving on active duty during a war or other military operation, national emergency, or is performing qualifying National Guard duty under the same circumstances. Not all active military personnel are eligible for this deferment.

Baptist Health Sciences University (Baptist University) submits enrollment data to the National Student Clearinghouse on a monthly basis. Baptist University has authorized the Clearinghouse to provide enrollment status and deferment information to guaranty agencies, lenders, servicers, and the US Department of Education. Inquiries can be directed to the National Student Clearinghouse at 703-742-4200 or by mail:

National Student Clearinghouse
2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20171