Student Loans
Because college tuition and related educational costs are expensive, many students
and their families rely on loans to help finance their educations. Generally, there
are two types of education loans:Federal Education Loans (those that are
funded and/or guaranteed or insured by the federal government) and Private Education/Alternative
Loans (non-federal loans funded by banks and other lending institutions).
Education loans can be a useful resource in helping to finance your education. However,
it’s important to note that by accepting a loan, you will be entering into a binding
agreement to repay monies borrowed plus any applicable interest that may accrue
(although most allow you to defer repayment until after you graduate).
Defaulting on a loan can negatively affect your credit and may have other serious
financial consequences. Therefore, when borrowing, be sure to carefully read and
understand the Master Promissory Note (MPN), which outlines the loan terms and conditions,
and borrow only what you need and can reasonably afford to repay.
Federal Stafford Loans
Federal Stafford Loans are fixed-rate student loans for undergraduate and graduate students.
They are the most common loan and one of the lowest-cost ways to pay for school. They can be used
to pay for tuition and other eligible school expenses. Additional benefits include:
- The fixed rate may be as low as 4.5%.
- No payments are made until after graduation.
Contact your school’s Financial Aid Administer for information about applying for the Stafford Loan.
Private Student Loans
Once you have exhausted scholarship and federal aid, your next step is to take out a
private student loan. Private student loans “fill the gap” in your financial aid package by
allowing you to borrow the difference between what federal financial aid can cover and the
total cost of your education. Additional benefits include:
- You can borrow up to the true cost of your education.
- Funds can pay for tuition, books, supplies, housing, and more.
Federal Student Loan Details
- Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans:These feature a low, fixed interest rate of 4.5%
(for loans disbursed after July 1, 2010). Awarded based on need, the federal government pays the interest
that accrues on these loans while you are in school, during the 6-month grace period once you leave school,
and during periods of deferment.
- Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: These feature a low, fixed interest rate of 6.8%
(for loans disbursed after July 1, 2010). These loans are not awarded based on need, and the
student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues. The interest may be paid while
the student is in school, or it may be capitalized and added to the principal loan amount
to be paid later.
-
Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Guaranteed by the government,
these loans feature a low, fixed interest rate of 7.9% (for loans disbursed after July 1, 2010).
Not awarded based on need, PLUS Loans allow parents to borrow up to the full cost of their child’s tuition
and related educational expenses, less any federal aid the student may receive.
-
Federal Perkins Loans: These feature a low, fixed interest rate of 5%.
Subsidized and awarded based on need, these loans are administered through schools by the
Department of Education. The federal government pays the interest that accrues while you are
in school, during the 9-month grace period once you leave school, and during periods of
deferment. In addition, Perkins Loans offer a variety of deferment and loan forgiveness options.
-
Work-Study Programs: These are not loans, but are programs funded
by state and federal governments that allow students to work for an authorized
work-study employer, typically on campus, during the academic school year in exchange
for funding used to offset the cost of tuition and other education-related expenses.
Private Education and Alternative Loan Details
Commonly referred to as “alternative” loans, these are credit-based, variable-interest-rate
loans offered by banks and other private lenders that you and/or your family may use to help
pay for up to the full cost of your tuition and related educational expenses (computer, books,
lab fees, supplies, transportation, living expenses, etc.), less any other aid you may receive.
They are not need-based, and you do not have to submit a FAFSA to apply.
Private education loans may be taken out alone or as a supplement to other financial aid.
When considering a private education loan, you may want to “shop around” for a lender that
offers the best interest rate, repayment terms, and deferment options, as well as the lowest fees.