| Finding a college student loan can be a hassle. Not to | | | | tuition waivers, student loan forgiveness for certain |
| worry. I have assembled several places you can | | | | in-demand fields, and even reciprocity if you go to a |
| check to get a loan if you still need one. And at the | | | | school in a neighboring state in some cases. |
| end, you'll find 3 tips for every student, whether you | | | | 3. Private Student Loans |
| have a student loan or not. | | | | You can also get a student loan from a private |
| First, for the newest students looking for loans, you | | | | lender, such as a large bank. Be careful with this |
| have two types of loans: government guaranteed | | | | group of loans. You want to be sure to check to see |
| and private student loans. The government | | | | if you can get a government student loan first, |
| guaranteed loans have benefits that the others may, | | | | before you go this route. |
| or may not have, such as: | | | | Check with your financial aid office at your university |
| - Preferred interest rates under 8% | | | | for college student loan first. If you have no other |
| This can save you a ton of money. You want to | | | | options, there are many banks that offer these loans. |
| keep that interest rate as low as possible. | | | | Just call a couple of the biggest. You may need a |
| - Deferment options | | | | cosigner. |
| This means you can ask for a delay in payments if | | | | 3 Extra Tips on Student Loans |
| you don't have a job. | | | | - Pay Day Lenders do not offer student loans. |
| - No payment during school | | | | Stay away from these companies! They will charge |
| If you go back to school for an advanced degree, | | | | you very high interest and they don't offer any |
| you can stop making payments while you study. | | | | delays, or deferments while you are in school. Their |
| Places to look | | | | interest rates are sky high. Don't use them. |
| 1. FAFSA.gov | | | | - Sell Your Car. I know, you have to get around, but |
| Always check with FAFSA first. This is the main | | | | do you need a new car? Sell it and get a cheap one. |
| website for college student loan guaranteed by the | | | | If you go about 8 years old, you can get a good car, |
| government. Through this site, you can get Stafford | | | | and keep the price down. Maybe even pay cash or |
| loans, Perkins loans, Grad/PLUS loans, Pell grants, | | | | only have one year of payments. |
| SMART scholarships, and more. | | | | I know it sounds crazy, but you could also ride a |
| You'll have to fill out a FAFSA (hence the name) but | | | | bike, walk, take the bus, or even carpool. That car |
| that's not that hard. Once you have your FAFSA in, | | | | may just be the anchor holding you down. |
| you get a report in about 1-2 weeks of what aid the | | | | - Stay Away from Credit Cards. |
| government will offer you. | | | | I know it's so easy to charge a few groceries. Or |
| This is pretty basic info. Almost all students know | | | | charge your textbooks. Or get a quick cash advance. |
| about he FAFSA. What next? Where else can you | | | | Don't do it! You don't want to graduate with a ton of |
| look? | | | | credit card payments. |
| 2. Your State | | | | If you can, always pay cash. Go to a cheaper college |
| Look up your state website. Usually, you'll find a link | | | | or university. Work on the weekends or evenings. |
| to their higher education office. Go there and see if | | | | Live at home or share. Avoid debt, and finish your |
| your state offers loans to students - many do. | | | | degree. |
| Your state may also offer student scholarships, | | | | |