Final answer:
The accurate statement about student loans is that interest payments are often deferred until after graduation, enabling students to manage repayment once they are employed. Other listed options about loan distribution and tax implications are not universally true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The true statement about student loans from the options provided is C) Interest payments are often deferred until the students graduate and enter the workforce. This arrangement allows many college students who need funds to pay for their education to borrow today and repay after graduation when they hope to have a steady income. Conversely, statements A and B are incorrect as not all student loans are provided directly to the student, and not all are to parents; there is a mix of loan types including federal student loans and PLUS loans for parents. Statement D is also incorrect, as interest is not tax-free for those at all income levels; tax benefits can vary based on income and other factors.