| A School Loan Consolidation Primer |
| By: Jay B Stockman |
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Hey Dad!, my son screamed from our front door, "I did it, I was accepted to Boston University.". My momentary exhilaration was overshadowed by the financial realities of college, especially private college. A quick calculation of my costs for 4 years of tuition, and expenses came to roughly $250,000, a very intimidating figure. Overwhelmed I thought, how could I possibly afford to send him to college? Fortunately, there are various options available to finance this academic endeavor.
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Federal programs are the single, largest source of school loan consolidation. The first step in applying for this type of aid is going on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website, at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, and fill out a comprehensive questionnaire. It generally takes around 7 days to process, at which point you will receive a Data Release Number, and Estimated Financial Contribution. It is important to find out if the school you will be attending participates in the federal student aid programs, most do.
There are several federal programs available for student aid, assuming school participation. The Federal Stafford Loans, are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. First-year undergraduates are eligible for loans up to $2,625. Amounts increase for subsequent years of study, with higher amounts for graduate students. The interest rate is variable, but never exceeds 8.25 percent. The Federal PLUS Loans are unsubsidized loans made to parents; the interest rate is variable,
but never exceeds 9 percent. Federal Work Study provides jobs to undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses. These are the major federal sources of loan money for college.
Private education loans are also available from a variety of sources to provide supplemental funding when other financial aid does not cover costs. These loans are not sponsored by government agencies, and are offered by banks or other financial institutions. Sallie Mae is a unique loan that consists of a comprehensive package of both private and federal loans.
After accumulating 4 years of undergraduate education loans, it is best to consider a School Loan Consolidation Program.
Very simply, you can elect to combine all your outstanding loans into one student consolidated loan, which may create more favorable terms and simplify repayment, benefiting both the borrower, and the lending agency. Major benefits include the convenience of lower monthly payments, a single fixed rate, and one payment per month. There is a minor downside, however, students who do not consolidate their Stafford loans will have a 6-month grace period after graduation to begin making payments. Students who consolidate must begin making payments within 60 days of their consolidation. Both parents and students are eligible to consolidate student loans. The school loan consolidation program streamlines repayment by eliminating different terms, repayment schedules, and lenders.
Will I be able to afford my son’s college education? Careful financial planning, and research should make this endeavor a reality. While it is true that college tuitions continue to rise, there is more financial aid available to compensate for the increases. Ultimately, a good education is your best investment.
Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Online College Loan Refinance Resource Visit http://www.online-college-usa.com/ for more information.
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| A College Loan Will Finance Your Education! |
| By: Mike Yeager |
A college loan has given people all over the United States a chance to further their education, even if they are not making a lot of money. Education loans can be a big help in paying for college. You'll find these loans offer a low interest rate and a generous repayment period. Of course, student loans must be repaid, usually with interest, although some education loans have provisions for cancellation if the borrower performs a program-related service. If you are looking for a loan, be aware that there are many different types of loans. Try to find the student loan that fits you the best. For example, there is a loan called the Federal Stafford Loan. The Federal Stafford Loan is the most widely used loan in the student education loan program. Federal guidelines limit the maximum interest rate to no more than 8.25% and outline repayment terms of up to 10 years. Remember that if you ever need help or are falling behind on payments, consider a consolidate student loan.
Tips on getting a deferment for your College Loan.
If for some reason you are unable to meet your monthly payments, consider a college loan deferment. A deferment is a suspension of payments for special reasons. Usually, those who borrowed their first Stafford Loans after July 1, 1993, are eligible to defer payments if are enrolled in at least half-time at an eligible school, unemployed, in a graduate fellowship program, in a rehabilitation training program for people with disabilities, or suffering economic hardship. A college education is expensive, but with the right student loan you will be attending class without financial worry in no time!
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-loans-4u.com/
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