it's not illegal by the way.
did you read the sub/non-sub contracts, or are you just guessing?
just because you borrow it doesnt mean you have to spend it.
Call it an educated guess. In the FAQ section of staffordloan.com it says:
Q: What can I use a Stafford Loan for?
A: Stafford Loans can be used towards the total cost of education - tuition, room and board, books, and other education-related expenses.
I haven't read any contracts because I haven't received a stafford loan yet.
Q: Our schedule shows a Stafford loan amount available to us each semester. If we have resources to pay tuition and do not need to access any Stafford loans for that particular semester, can we skip a semester of borrowing the Stafford loan?
A: You can't skip a semester, but you can skip a year. If you receive funds and you don't need them, call your lender and arrange for a payment back to the lender.
according to financial aid, loans for a year do not need to be used in the year. they can be 'banked' against unexpected expenses, bar exam courses, or other needs.
i mean logically, if you received 9250 in the first semester, and dont spend it all right away, are you supposed to hide it under your mattress?