| So, you've done it: you've earned your bachelor's | | | | because some companies are more reputable than |
| degree. You're probably ready to get started working | | | | others. Avoid predatory lenders at all costs, because |
| towards an advanced degree in graduate school. But | | | | they can often cause more damage to your credit. |
| even if you don't have a lot of debt already, paying | | | | Another good choice is to try to get your parents to |
| for the skyrocketing costs of grad school can seem | | | | act as co-signers on your loans. A co-signer is |
| impossible - especially if you've got bad credit. | | | | another party who agrees to be partially responsible |
| Fortunately, there are many ways to get bad credit | | | | for paying back the amount of your loans. This is a |
| graduate student loans. | | | | good way to increase the amount of money you will |
| The first source you should use is the United States | | | | receive, even with bad credit. |
| government. To apply for federal loans, fill out a | | | | You should also look into your school and program |
| FAFSA - the Federal Application for Financial Student | | | | more closely. Most graduate schools offer |
| Aid. These loans are attractive because they might | | | | scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, or other |
| sometimes have better interest rates than private | | | | grants. Many of these don't have to be repaid. Also, |
| loans, but one drawback is the cap. Federal funds are | | | | they're awarded based on merit without |
| limited, so every student can only ever borrow a set | | | | consideration for credit, so your financial history will |
| amount - undergraduate and graduate. | | | | not be an issue. |
| Have you ever heard of critical need loans? These | | | | Take this opportunity to start improving your credit |
| are available for students whose career paths are in | | | | score, because it will be with you forever. Private |
| fields that have a particularly high need. Right now, | | | | credit counseling services can help you to do this, |
| these fields include the health and medical sciences - | | | | even though they are often profit-driven |
| especially nursing and primary care programs. If | | | | corporations. You can also look into loan consolidation |
| you're interested in these areas, you're in luck. It may | | | | to start paying off your debt. |
| be easier to get loans, despite your credit. | | | | If you've already made it this far, don't stop now! A |
| Often, federal funding just isn't enough. Most | | | | bad credit rating isn't a dead end. Just look around |
| students end up having to turn to private loans and | | | | and you'll be sure to find the best bad credit |
| lending companies to pay for grad school. Make sure | | | | graduate student loans. |
| you do your research before making a commitment, | | | | |