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Student Loans: The Complete Guide
This guide helps you choose the perfect student loan. You'll learn about federal and private loans, repayment strategies, and consolidation options.
By Yerain Abreu
ON THIS PAGE
Benefits of student loans
Access to higher education
Investment in your future
Possible tax deductions
Helps build credit
Drawbacks of student loans
Puts you in debt
Canceling a student loan is difficult
Less cash for other stuff
Missed payments hurt your credit
Do's
Tuition and fees
Housing and utilities
Meals and groceries
A personal computer
Transportation to and from school
Study abroad program
School supplies
Don'ts
Vacation travel
Clothes
Entertainment
New car
Investing
Business expenses
A down payment on a home
Federal student loans
Private Student Loans
TuitionHero Tip
TuitionHero Tip
College Ave
On lenders secure website
VARIABLE APR
5.49% - 16.99%¹
FIXED APR
4.41% - 16.99%¹
Sallie Mae
On lenders secure website
VARIABLE APR
6.37% - 16.70%¹
FIXED APR
4.50% - 15.49%¹
Earnest
On lenders secure website
VARIABLE APR
5.39% - 16.20%
FIXED APR
4.42% - 15.90%
TuitionHero tip
- 1
Research and compare lenders
Start by researching and comparing different lenders, including both private and federal options. Take note of their interest rates, fees, repayment options, and other features. This will help you find the best loan for your unique financial situation and education goals.
- 2
Gather necessary information
Before you apply, gather essential details and documents such as your Social Security number, proof of income, tax returns, and specifics about your school and program. If pursuing federal loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For private student loans, apply via your chosen lender.
- 3
Wait for loan approval
After submitting your application, you'll need to wait for the lender to review and approve it. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the lender and the type of loan. Be patient and stay in contact with your lender to ensure they have all the information they need to process your application.
- 4
Review and sign
Once your loan is approved, carefully review the terms and conditions, including the interest rate, fees, and repayment options. This includes the repayment schedule, interest rates, penalties for late or missed payments, and any other relevant terms. Make sure you're fully aware of your responsibilities as a borrower before accepting the loan.
Key takeaways
References
Author
Yerain Abreu
Yerain Abreu is a seasoned Content Strategist with a Master's degree in digital marketing. He focuses on college finance, a niche carved out of his journey through the complexities of academic finance. These firsthand experiences provide him with a unique perspective, enabling him to create content that's informative and relatable to students and their families grappling with the intricacies of college financing.
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