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If you’ve been thinking of going to college or getting a graduate degree, you may feel intimidated by the costs associated with getting an education. While it seems as though having a degree and making money go hand-in-hand, it may be overwhelming to figure out how to pay for college. Luckily, there are many sources and types of education loans. Read on and find out which options for education loans are best for you.
Federal Education Loans
Federal education loans are loans given through the United States government. The two main types of federal education loans are the Federal Family Education Loan Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Federal Family Education Loans are funded by private lenders such as credit unions or banks. Federal Direct Loans are funded by the United States government and are sent to your school, which then distributes the money. Both programs are considered Stafford loans, which do have eligibility requirements and repayment options regarding enrollment hours. There are also federal loan programs for the parents of college or graduate students.
Private Education Loans
These loans are given independently of loans guaranteed by the government. Private education loans are funded by non-public institutions such as banks or other companies that specialize in student loans. Your school’s financial aid office may provide you with a list of popular options for private education loans. There are also different kinds of student loans available depending on your field of study.
Remember that shopping around for the best education loan is like shopping around for a school itself. Just like you want your university to be academically competitive and offer the features which you find attractive, you want to get a loan that is the best fit for you, which means finding the best interest rates and most manageable terms.
Published on August 01, 2006