Final answer:
Kirsten will be granted a grace period after finishing school before she has to start repaying her federal student loan, typically six months for Stafford loans, but she should check her loan agreement for specific terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Kirsten has to start repaying her federal student loan, she will be granted a grace period after finishing school before she is required to begin making payments. This grace period is typically six months for federal Stafford loans, which allows borrowers time to find employment and organize their finances. However, there are variations depending on the types of loans and sometimes the grace period might be different if the loan is a PLUS loan or if it is consolidated. It is crucial for Kirsten to check the specifics of her loan agreement to understand the exact terms regarding the repayment schedule.