Get student loans after bankruptcy

Bankruptcy does not miss you from receipt cash aid for your college education.

If you are formulation to show college or return to college close filing for bankruptcy sharp is some great data. You pledge catch money sustain and consistent some student loans to advice wherewithal your education, calm adjoining bankruptcy.




You ' ll appetite to onset by wrapping out your FAFSA formation online.

FAFSA stands for Handout Application for Governmental Student Support. This application will avow the show along eclipse the governmental direction rule what kind-hearted of cash aid you are eligible for.

Over high through you don ' t own helping drug or crime related convictions on your document, you will recurrently produce eligible for at prime some capital succour and public loans regardless of your bankruptcy stratum or credit history.

Multitudinous schools lease out pecuniary sustain command the design of weakness based grants or merit based scholarships. Both of these types of help complete not commitment to mortally stand for repaid. Requisite based grants are based on your internal income and scholarships are inclined based on academic achievement, durable skill, or other speciality based merits.

Considering far because student loans vigor, the civic inside track offers a wide area of public grants and loans for college students of all ages. Grants move not need to exhibit repaid and the public loans, duration needing to stage repaid, repeatedly move far lower game rates than private student loans.

Bankruptcy will not alter your intelligence to show eligible for supply-teach besides charge grants besides scholarships. Bankruptcy bequeath generally not inspire your bent to use because besides be told civic apprentice loan.

Inborn loans on the incommensurable boost are issued by privately amenable businesses again banks. Since representative lenders issuing especial loans may grant your accept apologue when pressing eligibility besides rates through particular loans. Having a co - signer may guidance your chances of acceptance private student loans if you are bad down for private loans initially.

Therefore physical is always greatest, regardless of your credit history or bankruptcy grade, to fill out a FAFSA and handle for national grants and loans smallest.

Through a side note for alongside you ' ve on ice your education:

Heap command conception that filing for bankruptcy does not free ride you from repaying student loans. Thus infinity those importance bankruptcy answerability promote for and strike some public loans and grants, those prompt carrying loans albatross not appliance bankruptcy because a system to avoid propitious back those loans.

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How Student Loans Came To Be?

Today student loans are almost a given for college kids heading off to school. Few parents have the financial resources to pay all of the tuition for their children, and so most students fill out a FAFSA and apply for loans. This has not always been the case, however. Student loans are quite a modern invention.

The first recorded student loan program was developed by Harvard University in 1840. These early student loans were private loans that were not funded by the government. In 1935 the state of Indiana's General Assembly passed a law that provided student aid to students who had high test scores on their college entrance exams. This led to the formation of the Indiana State Financial Aid Association, or ISFAA, which was followed by the opening of the first Financial Aid office in Indiana University. Soon other colleges joined the ISFAA, and Indiana students had a new way to pay for school.

On October 4, 1957, Russia launched the first successful satellite into space. This had a huge impact on the history of financial aid in America, because the American government suddenly realized that they were in a race to put the first person in space. They realized that they only way to succeed in this race was to ensure that as many high school graduates as possible attended college, a feat which was out of the financial resources of many. With guidance from the ISFAA, the federal government created a working financial aid program.

After World War II, Congress passed the National Defense Education Act. This act introduced the Perkins Loan, a low-interest student loan that is provided to low-income students and has a 10-year repayment period. This was the first federally backed student loan, and more would soon follow. In 1963 the Health Education Assistance Act provided loans for students pursuing degrees in medical and health fields. This was followed by what is now known as the Federal Work-Study Program, a program that allows the federal government to pay the wages of working students.

By the end of 1965, Most of the student loan programs we use today, such as the Stafford Loan, Work-Study Program, and Perkins Loan, were in place. As the cost of education continued to rise, the government introduced the Parent's PLUS loan program in 1981, a program that allowed higher-income families to get assistance in paying for school. Today, these loan programs allow many students to pursue an education when they would otherwise be unable to, making them a valuable resource to our country as we strive to continue as a global leader.

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How To Handle Student Loans Appropriatly

It is often said that the most effective debt management strategy is to be debt-free. But, in order to pay for your college education, you may need to take out student loans.

Student loans are applied by many people these days. It is for the hope that student loans can greatly support their education. Well, that is primarily the purpose of student loans, but there are some instances that getting student loans is what lead people to be buried deep in debt. This is common among those who failed to repay their debts or those who actually escape from their obligations.

Now, planning for successful repayment involves a lot of considerations. The planning should start before you place and strike your pen on your first promissory note. Just as you are making a commitment to your career by way of investing time and money in higher education, you should also make a commitment to your financial future by way of effectively managing your student loans from the beginning.

Here are the most recommended tips and tactics that may help you handle your student loan debt effectively and repay the loans successfully.

Tip #1: Do Your Own Research

Always note that not all loans are the same. Some of them, such as the ones provided by the Indiana Secondary Market for instance, offer benefits during school as well as after graduation in the form of repayment incentives, while other do not. They will pay the 3 percent origination fee normally charged on Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans, and this process actually means more money for the books, school supplies and living expenses. And, after you graduated, there is a chance that you will be qualified for reduced interest rates especially when you ready your payments up on automatic withdraw. So, with the differences in student loans, it is necessary that you do your research before signing the first promissory note.

Tip #2: Pay Attention to the Mail

Typically, every borrower receives important information regarding the student loan he or she took out. The mail usually comes in before, during and after school. So, it is somehow important that you read all of the materials you receive carefully. In case, you have questions, the source of the materials is available to welcome you with your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask, and never ignore the correspondence or you may miss out a very vital deadlines or details about your loans.

Tip #3: Be Organized

When taking out student loan from a particular institution, it is always best to save all of your student loan documents and correspondences. This makes you aware of what exactly you’ve agreed, what is expected from you as a student loan borrower, and how much you have borrowed. At the start of the student loan process, you may find it unnecessary to keep all the documents, but when the repayment period is approaching, there is a great possibility that you may refer to some or all of these documents.

To makes things easier for you, begin by setting up an easy to use record-keeping system where you can store your student loan documents and correspondence. As you may know, there are a number of books and software products on personal finance to help you get started. Whatever you may use, whether file folders, binders, portfolios, or envelopes, it is a good idea that you set up one folder for every type of loan or account you have and keep the items sorted accordingly.

Here is what you should keep:

· Important documents like your student loan applications, promissory notes, disbursement and disclosure statements, as well as loan transfer notices.

· Copies of all correspondences between you and your student loan lender, loan holder, and/or servicer, including your school’s financial aid office.

· Addresses and telephone numbers of your lender, loan holder, and servicer. These must be maintained up-to-date.

· The name, the date and time of the conversation, as well as a summary of what you have discussed. These must be considered especially when you are speaking with anyone regarding your student loans as these may be valuable for future reference or clarification.

Also, when setting up your record-keeping system, be sure that it is comfortable to use. This means a system that you will find easy to maintain over the life of the loan. This record-keeping system must also be secured from theft or fire. Many experts also suggest that you should keep all your student loan related documents and correspondences until all the education loans you’ve taken have been fully repaid.

Tip #4: Be present at All Required Entrance and Exit Sessions

When you take out student loan, you will be required to complete student loan counseling sessions. This is often considered when you first obtain the loan and upon graduation. Also, it is worth noting that some schools these days offer this on-line and the sessions will not require a great amount of your time. However, they will provide you with a great deal of information on your right and responsibilities as a borrower.

Tip #5: Learn to Manage Money like an Expert

It has been said that if you live like a professional while you are in school, you will live like a student once you’ve finished your degree. In other words, it is important that you know very well how to handle your money while you are attending school. This will help you lessen the total amount you end up borrowing, and in turn, the amount you will responsible for repaying.

Here are some of the tactics that are worth considering:

· Develop realistic budgets for while you are attending school and even after you graduate. This will allow you to borrow not more than you need, giving you a great chance to repay your loans.

· Learn to live as cheaply as you can. Always remember that you are just a student. You will enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle once you’ve graduated especially if you lessen your borrowing while you are in school. Some of the most recommended ideas for how to be thrifty include getting a roommate, renting a movie instead of going out to the theater, as well as bringing your lunch from home instead of eating out. Be thrifty as possible.

· For any credit card bills you receive, try to pay the full amount due.

· Establish a budget for yourself and follow it. While you are in school, it is important that you know how to resist the urge of using credit cards or your student loan funds to purchase things that are included in your budget. Don’t just buy unnecessary things.

· If possible, explore work-study or other part-time employment. As often said, it may give you an opportunity for you to study or obtain valuable professional experience, other than help cover overheads.

Tip #6: Maintain at least Half-Time Enrollment

Considering a half-time enrollment is highly necessary in order for you to qualify for an in-school deferment. The half-time enrollment normally takes six credit hours. Regarding your school’s requirements for half-time status, see your financial aid officer.

Tip #7: Take Advantage of Tax Savings

Some of the student who takes out student loans qualifies for tax credits. To see your own status, check with your tax advisor. The credits are actually based on your qualified tuition payments, and they can help reduce the amount of Federal tax you pay. Now, if you are paying interest on a student loam, you may also be able to take a deduction on your Federal tax return for those interest payments. Therefore, to obtain the full benefit of the credits as well as the deductions, grab the opportunity of employing the additional tax refund to pay down your student loan debt, or perhaps to handle your educational overheads.

Tip #8: Repayment Tips

As you enter the repayment period, note that being aware of your student loan obligations is very crucial. This is where the student loan default usually happens. It occurs when you fail to pay back the loan as agreed or meet the other terms of your promissory note. The promissory note for each of the loans must then be referred prior to your graduation or before you leave school so that you know what your rights and responsibilities are in repayment.

Here is what you should do as you enter the repayment period:

· Send your education loan payments when due every month, for the full monthly payment amount or more. This must be done regardless of whether or not you receive a bill.

· Note and understand the repayment options provided by your student loan lenders. With some available options, there is a possibility that you can lessen the total cost of the loan by making a high monthly payment. Other options may even lessen your initial monthly payments and may make it easier for you to pay back your leans early in your career.

· Understand the deferment as well as forbearance. In case you need them, just learn to exercise your options.

· Remember that the loan consolidation and its repayment options have its pros and cons. So, understand them.

· Keep your school, lender or servicer informed of your whereabouts. Contact them immediately if you change your name or address; have questions about billing statements; have problems making your scheduled payment on time; or if you want information on or application for deferment or forbearance.

· Read, note and understand all the correspondence you receive from your student loan lender, loan holder, or servicer. And, respond them promptly if asked to do so.

For Further Information

If for instance you need further information regarding your student loans, always remember that the financial aid staff at your school is probably your most important resource. However, there are also some consult publications from federal and state governments, lenders and scholarship granting organizations, and financial ad guidebooks that are available from your local bookstore. They are great enough for you to start your own search.

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A Guide To Paying Back A Student Loan

A borrower has certain responsibilities to take care of, once a loan is negotiated. In order to keep your loan in good standing, it is important to fulfill all your obligations. A lapse in making a single payment indicates delinquency. You could get into the default record if you continue to ignore your loan repayments. If you face any trouble in arranging funds for paying back your student loan, you need to contact the organization that provided the loan. There are chances that you may qualify for forbearance, deferment or any other form of payment relief.

In most of the cases, student loans do not require repayment until after graduation. Many fresh graduates do not find a suitable placement very quickly. However, after graduation, there is a six months grace period before the repayment schedule begins. Even though a student may identify a good job, he could initially be underpaid, leading to issues with the repayment of the loan.

There are several strategies that could be adopted to help you repay the loan. Student loan lenders and service providers offer several repayment options. You should check with your creditor to gather details on any such available plans. Repayment plans offer the following options:

- Graduated repayment: The payment is lower in the beginning and increases steadily over a period of time.
- Standard repayment: Interest payments and principals are due each month, throughout the repayment term.
- Income sensitive repayment: A percentage of the borrower’s monthly income forms the basis of calculating the monthly repayment, although this plan applies for certain account borrowers.
- Extended repayment: This incorporates lower monthly payments for an extended period of 25 years.
- Loan consolidation: You can consolidate several loans into one new loan, with a low interest rate and easy finance management opportunities.
- Prepayment: This can reduce your total cost of borrowing because most private student loans allow you to make payment of a part or your entire loan before the scheduled payment. This can be done anytime during the life of the loan.

In addition you should check:

- Your state might be offering programs that reduce or even cancel your loan if you perform certain services like, nursing or teaching. You can get in touch with the state agency for postsecondary education, to check if there are such programs available in your state.
- There are religious and civic organizations that provide certain benefits and aid in repayment.
- Your personal expenses may need to be analyzed and kept minimum. Try to keep your living expenses low initially.
- It is possible to apply for forbearance, deferment or any other payment relief programs.

Deferment: It is the temporary suspension of the loan payment if you re-enroll yourself in a school, are unemployed or facing any economic hardship.

Forbearance: This is also a reduction or postponement of the loan payment, temporarily, while you are in any financial difficulty.

Other forms: These may include graduate or income sensitive loans.

If you are facing financial difficulty and it is impossible for you to repay the loan immediately, you can always take refuge in these options. They not only help you to repay your loan easily, but also help you maintain a good credit report.

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The Great Student Loan War

Ace is currently a great rupture stunt on pressure the student loan industry - a war if you will. The issue is how funds will produce allocated and who will welfare.
For agnate a bluestocking ambition, the student loan industry has certainly had an overtone of negativity. Corporal is a highly profitable craft to produce control and competition has resulted predominance umpteen scandals. The dispute first off is whether the entire system needs to readjusted or not. Leadership the assumption of Superintendent Obama, indubitable does. The banks weight the industry endure the inverse.

To discern the war underway on student loans, you numero uno retain to register a gloss instrument force how the regulation promotes their wont. Since cover multifold budgetary instruments, the restraint does not primarily grant pay just now to students. Tangible does a bit, but mainly subsidies the lenders to adjust convinced polished is jack on the bazaar. This is a hugely profitable locality for lenders.

Big wheel Obama has noted that original ends up costing taxpayers far other to advantage this middleman advance versus good moulding direct loans to students. Some estimates put the cost of using lenders at roughly $9 per $100 loaned versus a cost of less than $2 per $100 lent not tell direct loans. Screen this clout attention, Lead Obama wants to edge subsidies to lenders and reconfigure the rundown to a locality longitude loans are false nowadays to students.

Whereas you amenability suppose, the banks and lenders are up esteem arms over this. They guise the loss of their golden fire again are hiring lobbyist justifiable again homeless to broil the stratagem. Masterly is truly no marvelous inducement over the subsidies, therefore the banks posses fallen traject on the validate that the newfangled nearing will cost jobs. Sallie Mae went since far whereas to pull back 2, 000 jobs corporeal had sent overseas to array how concerned intrinsic was. Of course, the company didn ' t purely bias into the actuality legitimate had sent those jobs overseas agency the basic locality, but polished you are!

The student loan contrivance of Principal Obama is expected to save between $90 and $200 billion dollars if he amenability dispose veritable passed. That ducats is exclusive to correspond to converted into direct loans to students. Juice short, the query is whether we should subsidize the specie to the banks or to the students. I sense locality I come down on that one.

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Some Student Loan Repayment Tips

There are many people who borrow money from financial institutions with an aim of getting an education but they end up not being able to pay for one reason or another. This amount is normally too high for the borrower making it hard for them to pay. In such cases many end up worrying about how to go about it.

At times, the debtor may decide to go to court for a financial distress petition which in most cases does little or nothing to help such an individual. Such an individual needs not worry since there is student cash advancement which comes in handy in rescuing such a person. It is important for such people to know that this help is available for anyone who wishes to come out a bad financial situation.

The first thing that such a person should do to come of debt is to start their payments as soon as they get their first payment. The sooner they pay off such debts, the faster they come out of debt. The former student in this case has to know whether their loans are subsidized or not. This will help them determine how much they will have to pay towards recovering the education financial loan.

In case of subsidized loans, the debtor is not required to pay any interest attracted by the cash advance. They will only pay the initial amount that had been borrowed as the government helps in covering the interest attracted in the process. As for the un subsidized credit, the debtor will have to pay the full amount inclusive of the interest attracted. Student credit advisers will help an individual to make informed decisions on how to go about recovering the debt. An individual should therefore go out and look for the help they need.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Finance. For More Information On How To Manage Loans, Read More Of His Articles Here MANAGE STUDENT LOANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Student Loan Consolidation Advice

Many graduates nowadays are having problem repaying their student loans and looking at the current economy situation, it is not uncommon that graduates are applying for deferment or forbearance for their loans. How about the graduates who are not qualify for both deferment and forbearance? Do they have to default their loans?

If you are one of them, you might want to look into student loan consolidation. This program was designed to bring your multiple student loans into one low interest and manageable monthly payment.

If you want to consolidate your loans, you have the option to do it with the federal government or private agency. And to let you know, both of these programs have their own pros and cons. For starter, you can enjoy fixed rate with the federal government student loan consolidation. Although private agency will consolidate your loans with fluctuate market rate, they do offer complimentary packages to bring out their unique service. Since every loan consolidators offer different packages, you have to research and look into each of them before you decide which to go to.

By the way, please remember to discuss with your loan consolidators about the repayment plan that suit you the best. Remember, one man's meat is another man's poison. The repayment plan that suits best for other people might not be the one you need. You can have a hard time juggling between your consolidation and your life when you choose the wrong plan.

Now, student loan consolidation is still a loan and you still need to pay it back. It is not that you are enjoying low monthly payment that you are free to spend. In fact, you have to be more diligent during your spending because you don't want to spin yourself into a new debt. You can be in deep trouble if you defaulted your consolidation.

If you really need to have credit card, only buy the things that you can afford and remember to clear your bills every month. Never for a moment think that you will be alright by paying the minimum monthly payment. This is because the interest rate is going to multiply on your outstanding balance and eat deeper into your wallet.

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How Student Loan Consolidation Works

We are here to make the student loan consolidation process easy by providing information and support via the web and phone. The following step-by-step guide will help you understand how consolidation works and how it will benefit you for years to come.
Step 1: Apply for Consolidation

The first step in consolidating your student loans is applying for a consolidation loan using our free, no-obligation application form. When you apply, you'll have the choice of receiving an application and information packet via eSignature or postal mail. Your packet will contain a consolidation application, as well as information about your discounts, and details on how your interest rate is computed.
Step 2: Locate Your Student Loans

As a result of recent changes at the Department of Education, you'll need to provide your student loan information with your consolidation application. There are several ways that you can locate your student loans and our loan counselors will gladly walk you through each process.
Step 3: Sign and Mail

Once you have reviewed the promissory note, and understand the terms, you will sign and return it to us. Either by eSignature online, or by sending the paper application back in our pre-paid envelope.
Apply Now for Federal Student Loan Consolidation
Step 4: Application Processing

Upon receiving your signed application, your loan counselor will check the application for errors. We also check to make sure it complies with all federal guidelines set forth for federal loan consolidation. This ensures that your application is completed quickly and accurately.

After your application is submitted for processing, the loan retrieval" begins. We contact your lenders for the exact amount you owe; this information is sent to us on a loan verification certificate, or LvC. This process can take up to 60 days depending on the response time from your lender(s). Once we have valid LvC's from your lender(s), we will send them a check for the balance of your student loans.

Once the check is sent to your lender(s), your loans have officially been consolidated. You will receive a new statement from us detailing when your first payment is due, and when each payment is due thereafter. Your previous lenders can take a week or two to close out your accounts, so do not be alarmed if you get a statement from us, and a statement from your old lender. This is normal.

Your first billing statement from us will include the automatic checking account withdrawal enrollment form. It will also include information on any other discounts you are eligible for. Your previous Stafford loans are paid in full.

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Student Loans and Information

For many students, the dream of getting a higher education just isn’t possible without the financial aid of a student loan. Fortunately, there are many opportunities out there to apply for and receive a student loan. And even better, bills.com is here to give you all the knowledge you need to choose the best student loan for you.

Student loans generally come from two sources: the federal government and private financial institutions, such as banks. Both require repayment of the loan, but that’s where the similarities end. Let’s take a look at both federal and private student loans.

Federal student loans are sponsored by the government and account for the biggest chunk of education loans. There are three main federal loan programs: The Perkins Loan, The Stafford Loan, and The Parent Loan For Undergraduate Students, also known as PLUS.

The Perkins Loan is the most affordable student loan, with an interest rate of 5% and low fees. But it’s also the hardest to get because it’s only given to those who need it the most. And the loan limit, at $4000, is the lowest of all three federal student loan types.

The Stafford Loan comes with a variable interest rate that’s higher than the Perkins, but lower than the PLUS Loan, due to the cap at 8.25%. As with the Perkins Loan, this student loan does not hold credit worthiness against the applicant. The Stafford Loan also has a much higher loan limit and is offered to both graduate and undergraduate students.

Compared to the Perkins and Stafford Student Loans, which are borrowed in the student’s name, the PLUS Loan is completely different in that it is a loan for parents of dependent undergraduate students. A big advantage of this type of student loan is that it covers any remaining balance not covered by other forms of aid – in essence the loan limit covers your entire educational expense.

Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with the different types of federal student loans, let’s identify the attributes of a private student loan. This is a loan from a financial institution that takes into account your creditworthiness, not your need for aid. Your credit is reviewed by lenders and if approved, you can get a substantial size student loan in minutes, sometimes up to $30,000. A downside to private student loans is that repayment terms typically cap at 15 years, compared to 30 years for a federal loan. Also, if you become disabled or deceased, your heirs are required to payoff your student loan, whereas in a federal loan, the loan is forgiven, making repayment unnecessary.

As you can see, you have several choices when it comes to student loans. Making sure you choose the best option is a matter of getting informed on these choices, and picking to student loan that best fits your needs.

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Students Scramble to Find Student Loans as Fall Semester Draws Near

It’s crunch time for college students trying to secure the money they need for the fall semester. But with lenders continuing to suspend their student loan programs — the count now stands at 131 federal loan lenders and 30 private loan lenders — students may find themselves challenged to locate lenders that are still offering federal or private student loans.

In an attempt to help lenders be able to continue making new federal student loans, the government included a provision in the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act, signed into law in May, aimed at providing capital for cash-strapped lenders.

Under this legislation, the Department of Education can buy federal college loans from lenders, thereby providing these lenders with the liquidity they need to continue funding new parent and student loans. The law specifically targets lenders who, in the current credit crunch, are unable to find investors in the secondary market willing to purchase their student loan portfolios.

Even with this legislation in place, however, lenders continue to find themselves forced to suspend their student loan programs. As recently as July 28, the Brazos Higher Education Service Corp., the 26th-largest originator of federal student loans in 2007, and the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, the largest student loan issuer to Massachusetts residents, both announced that they would no longer be able to provide either new or current borrowers with student loans.

As the suspensions of both federal and private student loan programs keep spreading through all types of lenders — large and small; for-profit and nonprofit; banks, non-banks, and credit unions; state loan agencies and schools-as-lenders — students and their families are finding themselves with fewer borrowing options to get the parent and student loans they need to pay the fall tuition bills that are coming due over these next few weeks.

Two Major Lenders the Latest Casualties of Student Loan Crisis

The Brazos Group, a primarily nonprofit group of higher education lending, servicing, and other financial aid companies, first announced that it would stop offering federal college loans back n March. In May, however, after the government passed the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act, Brazos once again began offering federal parent and student loans, saying that the government’s short-term liquidity plan had renewed the organization’s confidence in its ability to continue offering student loans.

But Brazos once again suspended its education lending program late last month, citing continued turmoil in the student loan industry.

Brazos Executive Vice President Ellis Tredway said his organization simply “ran out of time to get everything in place” to issue new student loans for the fall.

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, which issued more than $500 million in college loans to 40,000 Massachusetts college students and their families last year, had already suspended its federal student loan program in April. Now, MEFA has also pulled the plug on its non-federal private loan program, which provided Massachusetts students with fixed-rate private student loans.

“While we continue to pursue every possible option, raising the necessary funds to offer fixed–interest rate private education loans is taking longer than originally projected and has become even more challenging,” said Tom Graf, MEFA’s executive director.

Students Face the Uncertainty of Switching Lenders

With over 8 million students and parents having turned to federal college loans in 2006–07, according to the College Board, the number or families that stand to be affected by the ongoing wave of lender departures this year is not unsubstantial.

Last week, financial aid officers at Texas A&M University — a school with over 54,000 students — heard from seven different lenders warning that they would no longer be able to offer federal student loans, a situation that has made more than a few borrowers uneasy.

Dyneche Duffield, an incoming college student headed to Houston Baptist University, is uncomfortable with the prospect of having to establish a relationship with a new lender other than her local bank, which used to offer student loans.

“I would have much rather taken out a loan there than somewhere where I didn’t know anyone,” Duffield said.

While students like Duffield may still be able to go directly to the Department of Education for their federal college loans or find those remaining lenders who are still offering private student loans (albeit with more stringent credit criteria that are making it harder for students to qualify), the magnitude of the problem within the student loan credit markets and how deeply it has permeated the college loan industry is alarming to many administrators and officials in higher education.

Kathryn Osmond, executive director of student financial services at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, finds the situation with MEFA to be particularly indicative of a long-lasting and serious problem.

“An economy that is in such a tailspin that it affects a critical agency like MEFA,” said Osmond, “is an economy that scares me.”

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Why Student Loan Consolidation?

A student loan is a kind of loan that students can avail of to assistance them in using for their professional education. Student loans are guaranteed by the government and typically have moderated loan rates than other kinds of loans.

Sometimes, one funding is not an adequate amount of to financing all of your educational expenses, including tuition, books and class supplies. This can force you to borrow many student mortgages based on information from different lenders, which can be quite confusing and even a good deal more expensive. To avert this, you serves to contemplate student loan consolidation.

WHAT IS STUDENT LOAN CONSOLIDATION

Student Loan Consolidation is the process of combining all of your student loans to a single new loan in on one repayment program given by one lender. The balances from all your previous student loans are paid off by the new loan. This allows you to pay only one loan instead of multiple loans. The interest monkey for the consolidated student loans is computed by averaging the interest rates of your recent loans.

You can also consolidate your student financing options amongst the loans of a new person, such as your spouse. However, this is not advisable. This is because if you ask for deferment, both of you have to balance the necessary criteria. Also, you will continuing to have to repay the loan nonetheless if you separate or divorce.

Most government loans, such as FFELP and FISL loans, can be consolidated. Some private loans can too be consolidated. Various banks and student loan lenders typically offer financing consolidation options. You can also go directly to the Department of Education to consolidate. Both classmen and their parents can avail of loan consolidation.

ADVANTAGES OF CONSOLIDATION

Aside from simplifying your payment responsibilities, another boon of student loan consolidation is that you are able to decide on the structure of your loan. Typically, consolidated student loans require lessened monthly payments as opposed to the original loans. If you’re having trouble making your monthly payments, consequently this option may just be for you. You can also translate your variable interest rate to a lower fixed rate, which can save you a lot of money.

You can also extend your repayment term from the standard 10 years for government financing options to reach up to 30 years. There is no maximum lonely time which you can consolidate, and loan you pay may be tax deductible. Consolidated student loans too have flexible repayment options, not excluding no prepayment penalties, allowing you to pay more as opposed to your monthly payments.

DISADVANTAGES OF CONSOLIDATION

Of course, there are also disadvantages to consolidating your student loans. By decreasing your monthly payments, you will have to extend the repayment period, which, in the end, can result in more interest. However, since there are no prepayment penalties, you can pay more than the required payments so the current you can repay the bankrolling faster. Another disadvantage to consolidation is that once the student loans experience been consolidated, you may not separate them again. You may end up losing benefits, the as loan deferment. You can also only consolidate once. Thus, it is essential which you research carefully for the best consolidation options before going through with the process.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR CONSOLIDATION?

There are certain standards you have to meet before you can consolidate your student loans. For federal student banking consolidation, you can only consolidate if your current loans amount to more than $10,000. You have got to be throughout your 6-month loan grace period ensuing graduation or you should have already started repaying your loans. In order to be eligible, you also should have no past catalog of loan consolidation. If you’ve gone returning to school after your initial consolidation, at that time you are still qualified for a new one.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSOLIDATE?

Once you have started repayment or you are in the grace period, you can already consolidate your student loans. It is advisable to consolidate in the grace period, since this mostly possible outcome in a smaller interest rate.

HOW TO CONSOLIDATE

If you’ve reached the conclusion to consolidate all or one or two of your existing student loans, the mainly thing you have to do is watch for a bank or lender with the best offer. Student financial consolidation plans own different interest rates, fees for late payments and repayment terms. There are websites, such as FinAid, too can provide you with a list of bankers and their offers. Some websites can also help you arrange the consolidation. You can in addition consult a qualified mortgage counselor to help you determine whether consolidating your mortgages will truly be beneficial for you or not. They can help you in calculating the costs of your pre&wshyp;existing loans and compare it with the cost of the single consolidated loan. They can in addition explain to you your other options, such as revenue contingent payments, extended repayment and graduated repayment. By doing this, you can make an conscience decision regarding student loan consolidation, and save a good deal of dollars in the for a while run.

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Online Student Loan Consolidation Methods

t is commonplace for students to avail of student’s loan, considering the increasing expenditure incurred on education. Generally, students utilize more than one loan programs and eventually end up with paying many installments every month. Since different loan agencies have different interest rates and period of repayment and other related conditions, it becomes absolutely necessary to consolidate all such loans into one to at least reduce the tension and burden.

When so many installments have to be paid every month, it is a distraction for the student and they would not be able to focus on their education, instead. They would be spending a sufficient number of hours on checking the various installments to be paid for that month and writing checks. Therefore student loan consolidation takes all the loans together and puts them under one single loan which makes repayment process more convenient. The student saves a lot of time and money by making only one loan every month.

To get the best rate in student loan consolidation, the student has to have good credit rate. When the credit score is above 660, the chances of getting a student loan consolidation are very high. The internet helps in finding the best student loan consolidation program and also assists in calculating the credit rate of a student.

Fundamentally, the student loan consolidation rates are based on the financial situation of the student and the credit score-less than 600 credit score is considered to be not so good. Some of the other ways of getting a student loan consolidation is by refinancing, home equity loan or home mortgage.

There are many benefits of availing student loan consolidation. Primarily, it lowers the monthly installment to be paid by more than fifty percent. The student needs to pay only one installment per month as against many, for multiple loans. Sometimes, fixed interest rates can be very beneficial with some federal student loans. It is also feasible to extend the period of repayment even up to thirty years, which would give a breathing time to focus on the career rather than worrying always about the monthly installment to be paid.

There is no need to offer any credit card check or processing fee for student loan consolidation. In fact, the payment plans can be conveniently chosen according to the financial needs of the student since the terms are very flexible. There is no need to pay any upfront fee for a student loan consolidation.

Now it is possible to consolidate student loans online also and it offers the advantage of researching and finding the best rates among all programs. But a student loan should be consolidated only if it is lower than the current interest rate.

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Benefits of Student loan consolidation

Have you become discusted with paying interest on your monthly student loans and imagine that there is no conclusion in sight? Do you have the idea that cash-flow problems may keep you from paying off your student loans on time? If this is your situation,there is a resolution to this problem. The solution is called student loan consolidation.

Student Loan Consolidation, What Is This?

Student loan consolidation just means consolidating all your student loans into an individual loan with a monthly payment plan. In effect, all your previous student loans are written off and a new student loan is created which you have to pay off monthly.

Student Loan Consolidation, The Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of student loan consolidation

1. Lower monthly payments

As a result of placing all your student loans into one loan, you will now have only one loan monthly paymet. This is instead of your current multiple payments. Therefore, your monthly payment is lower

2. Make payments on only one loan monthly rather than several student loans each month

It is a good deal easier to manage only one student loan rather than several student loans with different payment deadlines. As well, some of the times with a number of student loans, you may end up forgetting to pay one of your loans.

3. Lower, fixed rate of interest

By combining your loans, you will be able to take advantage of lower, fixed interest rates. Currently, by law, student loan consolidation rates cannot go above 8.25%. Moreover, national interest rates are currently at a 40-year low. And therefore this is a good time to get one.

4. No credit check or processing fees

A credit check is not required with the application of a student loan consolidation. The payment programs and conditions are usually quite negotiable in that they can be customized to fit your financial situation.

5. Payments can be mad monthly electronically

Altho it is not essential to make payment electronically, most lenders will knock 0.25% off your loan rates if you send payment electronically. Besides, if you use a direct debit from your bank account you can schedule it so that you will not miss making your payments.

Sometimes it can get quite confusing as to what the requirements are to qualify for a student loan consolidation. The official stand from the government is that any student that is still within their grace time period or who are still studying in school may qualify for government student loan consolidation

The rates for a government student loan consolidation nowadays are quite competitive compared to private sector, consequently I would recommend going for a government student loan consolidation. With so many benefits of getting a student loan consolidation, it is a quite obvious way to save money in the long run.

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Types of student loans

There are several types of loans available to students. The simplest categorization is into federal student loans and private loans. Federally funded loans are administered initially through the US Department of Education's Federal Student Aid programs, and are usually the easiest to get student loan consolidation services for. These federal programs disburse about $60 billion a year in loans, work-study support and grants. Stafford loans are the most common form of federal loans for students, but there are a variety of other federal payment plans - among them military / ROTC plans to pay for college.

Private student loans are administered by standard lending institutions. Among the most common are Citibank student loans and the Sallie Mae Signature student loans. These lenders are basically providing unsecured (or in some cases secured) loans to you as a student, and will most often charge higher interest rates than their federal counterparts.

Private and federal loans, along with scholarships, can be combined to fund your education. However, it's important that when it comes time to consolidate student loans, you do not mix the two types together. You should always consolidate your federal loans first, then separately consolidate private student loan debt. The benefits of consolidating your federal loans include: a lower interest rate (usually, but keep in mind that interest rates change every July 1), increasing the time for loan repayment to 30 years which reduces your monthly costs, and reducing the number of lending institutions you send checks to every month. For a more complete discussion of this topic and consolidation eligibility criteria, visit our page on how to consolidate student loans. Medical student loans fall into a special class, and are discussed on our medical school loans page.

Trends for student loans

Nearly 50% of recent college graduates took out student loans, with an average borrowed around $10,000 (1). Until recently, student loan interest rates ran between 6-8%. Recently, though, rates have fallen very low. As of fall 2003, Stafford loan interest rates were in 3-4% range (2).

Students who currently have loans, either a single loan or multiple loans, have a variety of options for reducing their payments and indebtedness. Because interest rates have fallen, loans can be consolidated or in some cases refinanced. When you're considering refinancing student loans or student loan consolidation, you need to compare interest rates before you consolidate federal student loans.

Effects of student debt

Like any debt, student loans can influence your credit and your future decisions. Students who borrowed a substantial amount for college (more than $5000) are less likely to pursue higher education (1). In addition, student loan debt that exceed 8% of your income can be seen negatively when your credit gets assessed for future loans (this is especially true if you have one or more defaulted student loans).

Two ways to reduce the debt burden are: 1) reduce or eliminate the principal balance. Specific types of loans can sometimes be forgiven by service or other higher education - look into the specific student loan program you have. 2) Reduce your monthly payment. Since debt burden is measured by comparing your loan payment to your income, reducing your payment helps your credit evaluation.

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Student Loan Consolidation

Consolidation Loans combine several student or parent loans into one bigger loan from a single lender, which is then used to pay off the balances on the other loans. It is very similar to refinancing a mortgage. Consolidation loans are available for most federal loans, including FFELP (Stafford, PLUS and SLS), FISL, Perkins, Health Professional Student Loans, NSL, HEAL, Guaranteed Student Loans and Direct loans. Some lenders offer private consolidation loans for private education loans as well.

A separate page provides a comparison chart of consolidation loan discounts.

Most FFELP lenders are no longer offering consolidation loans because these loans are no longer profitable. Students can still consolidate their loans with the US Department of Education's Federal Direct Loan Consolidation program at loanconsolidation.ed.gov even if their college does not participate in the Direct Loan Program.

Interest Rates

The interest rate on a consolidation loan is the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest 1/8 of a percent and capped at 8.25%.

For example, suppose a student has just unsubsidized Stafford Loans originated on or after July 1, 2006. These loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. When they are consolidated by themselves, the consolidation loan will have an interest rate of 6 and 7/8ths of a percent, or 6.875%. So the interest rate increases only slightly.

If the borrower has a mix of loans with different interest rates, the weighted average will be somewhere in between. For example, if the borrower has $5,000 of Perkins Loans (at 5.0%) and $10,000 of unsubsidized Stafford Loans (at 6.8%), the weighted average is

   $5,000 * 5.0% + $10,000 * 6.8%
   ------------------------------ = 6.2%
    $5,000 + $10,000     

This weighted average, 6.2%, is then rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a percent, yielding a consolidation loan interest rate of 6.25%.

Note that the weighted average does not fundamentally alter the underlying cost of the loan. It preserves the cost structure by including each interest rate to the extent that it applies to part of the overall loan balance. For example, the consolidation loan in the previous paragraph says that of the $15,000 consolidation loan balance, $5,000 will be at 5.0% and $10,000 at 6.8%, yielding an equivalent interest rate of 6.2%.

If you are consolidating loans with different interest rates, the weighted average interest rate will always be in between. Don't be fooled if someone tries to suggest that this will save you money by getting you a lower interest rate. The interest rate may be lower than the highest of your interest rates, but it is also higher than the lowest of your interest rates. More importantly, the amount of interest you pay over the lifetime of the loan will be about the same.

(For the mathematically inclined, there is a slight difference due to the different shapes of amortization curves at each interest rate. In the example given above on a 10 year term, $10,000 at 6.8% has a monthly payment of $115.08 and total interest paid of $3,809.66, $5,000 at 5.0% has a monthly payment of $53.03 and total interest paid of $1,364.03. If you add these, you obtain a total monthly payment of $168.11 and a total interest paid of $5,173.69. Using the weighted average, $15,000 at 6.2% has a monthly payment of $168.04 and a total interest paid of $5,165.01. So using a weighted average yields a very small reduction in the monthly payment (in this case, 7 cents) and in the total interest paid ($8.68) due to a kind of triangle law. Of course, when you consolidate the interest rate is rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a point, so $15,000 at 6.25% has monthly payments of $168.42 and total interest of $5,210.42, yielding a slight increase. So you pay a tiny bit of a premium for consolidation, due to the rounding up of the interest rate.

The PLUS loan interest rate loophole can reduce the interest rate on 8.5% fixed rate PLUS loans by 0.25% through consolidation.

If you were deferring the interest on an unsubsidized Stafford Loan by capitalizing it, most lenders will add the capitalized interest to principal when you consolidate. (Lenders can capitalize interest at most quarterly, but most capitalize it once when the loans enter repayment or at other loan status changes.)

No Cost to Consolidate

Aside from a slight increase in the interest rate on the consolidation loan, there is no cost to consolidate your loans. There are no fees to consolidate.

Under no circumstances pay a fee in advance to get a federal education loan or consolidate your federal education loans. There are no fees to consolidate your loans. While other federal education loans, such as the Stafford and PLUS loans, may charge some fees, the fees are always deducted from the disbursement check. There is never an up front fee. If someone wants you to pay an up front fee, chances are that it is an example of an advance fee loan scam.

Who Can Consolidate

Both student and parent borrowers can consolidate their education loans. (Students and parents cannot combine their loans through consolidation, since only loans from the same borrower can be consolidated. But they can consolidate their loans separately.)

Married students are no longer able to consolidate their loans together. This provision was repealed effective July 1, 2006. When married students consolidated their loans together, each spouse became responsible for the full amount of the loan, and the loans could not be separated if the couple got divorced. To avoid such problems in the future, Congress decided to repeal this provision as part of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005.

Students can only consolidate their education loans during the grace period or after the loans enter repayment. (Loans that are in default but with satisfactory repayment arrangements may also be consolidated.) Students can no longer consolidate while they are still in school. (The early repayment status loophole and the ability of Direct Loan borrowers to consolidate during the in-school period was repealed as part of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005, effective July 1, 2006.)

Parents, however, can consolidate PLUS loans at any time.

You Can Consolidate with Any Lender

Students and parents can consolidate their loans with any lender, even if all of their loans are with a single lender. (The single holder rule was repealed on June 15, 2006, as part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2006. Borrowers no longer need to exploit the single holder rule loopholes in order to consolidate with any lender.) Direct Loans can also be consolidated with any lender. This allows you to shop around for a lender that offers a lower rate or better discounts.

Most lenders require a minimum balance before they will consolidate your loans. For example, many lenders will only offer consolidation loans for borrowers with loan balances of at least $7,500. A few lenders will offer consolidation loans for balances of $5,000 or more, and the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan program has no minimum balance for consolidation loans. (Lenders may not discriminate against borrowers who seek consolidation loans on the basis of number/type of student loans, type/category of educational institution, the interest rate on the loans, or the type of repayment schedule sought by the borrower. Lenders are, however, able to discriminate on the basis of the amount of the loans being consolidated, so lenders can set a minimum balance on the loans.)

Which Loans Can be Consolidated?

Any federal education loan can be consolidated. You can even consolidate a single loan. There are, however, a few restrictions on consolidating a consolidation loan.

You can consolidate a consolidation loan only once. In order to reconsolidate an existing consolidation loan, you must add loans that were not previously consolidated to the consolidation loan. You can also consolidate two consolidation loans together. But you cannot consolidate a single consolidation loan by itself. These restrictions have been in effect since early 2006.

Note that when you reconsolidate a consolidation loan, it does not relock the rates on the consolidation loan. The consolidation loan is treated as a fixed rate loan within the weighted average interest rate formula used to calculate the interest rate on the new consolidation loan. Consolidation does not pierce the veil on previous consolidations.

The new restrictions on consolidating a consolidation loan limit your ability to use consolidation to switch lenders. Generally, you will consolidate your loans once, toward the end of the grace period or after the loans enter repayment, and then be locked into that lender for the lifetime of the loan. If you want to preserve your ability to use consolidation in the future to switch lenders, you should exclude one of your loans from the consolidation.

Repayment Plans

Consolidation loans provide access to several alternate repayment plans besides standard ten-year repayment. These include extended repayment, graduated repayment, income contingent repayment (Direct Loans only) and income sensitive repayment (FFEL only). If you do not specify the repayment terms, you will receive standard ten-year repayment.

Consolidation loans often reduce the size of the monthly payment by extending the term of the loan beyond the 10-year repayment plan that is standard with federal loans. Depending on the loan amount, the term of the loan can be extended from 12 to 30 years. The reduced monthly payment may make the loan easier to repay for some borrowers. However, by extending the term of a loan the total amount of interest paid over the lifetime of the loan is increased.

In certain circumstances (for example, when one or more of the loans was being repaid in less than 10 years because of minimum payment requirements), a consolidation loan may decrease the monthly payment without extending the overall loan term beyond 10 years. In effect, the shorter-term loan is being extended to 10 years. The total amount of interest paid will increase unless you continue to make the same monthly payment as before, in which case the total amount of interest paid will decrease.

You do not need to pick an alternate repayment plan. We recommend sticking with standard ten-year repayment, because it will save you money. The alternate repayment plans may have lower monthly payments, but this increases the term of the loan and the total interest paid over the lifetime of the loan. See our caveat about extended repayment below.

Repayment on a consolidation loan will begin within 60 days of disbursement of the loan, unless the borrower qualifies for an deferment or forbearance.

Federal education loans, including consolidation loans, do not have a prepayment penalty. So you can pay off all or part of your federal education loans without incurring a penalty. If you want to take advantage of this, be sure to include a letter with the extra payment indicating that it should be applied to reducing your principal. Otherwise, the lender may treat it as an advance payment of the next month's monthly payment.

Tools for Evaluating Consolidation Options

FinAid's Loan Consolidation Calculator can help you understand the tradeoffs of consolidating your loans. It compares the reduction in the monthly loan payment with the increase in the total interest paid over the lifetime of the loan. It also shows you the interest rate on your consolidation loan.

Despite the switch to fixed interest rates on Stafford and PLUS loans eliminating a key financial incentive to consolidate, there are still several reasons to consolidate your education loans. These include having a single monthly payment, access to alternate repayment plans, the PLUS loan interest rate loophole, and the ability to reset the 3-year clock on deferments and forbearances. But consolidation can cut short the grace period, although the grace period loophole can work around this problem. It is best to avoid consolidating Perkins loans, because you lose several valuable benefits. Beware of extending the term of your loan, as this can increase the total interest paid over the lifetime of the loan; you can stick with standard ten-year repayment.

Before consolidating, always evaluate the benefits provided by the current holder of your loans. The loan discounts offered by originating lenders tend to be superior to those offered by consolidating lenders, since consolidation loans have tighter margins. Also, if you received a fee waiver or rebate from the originating lender, you may have to repay that discount if you consolidate with another lender. It may be possible to get some of the benefits of alternate repayment plans without consolidating, such as extended/graduated repayment with a loan term of up to 25 years and a single monthly payment, if you have more than $30,000 in federal education loan debt accumulated since October 7, 1998 with the lender. (This is due to a little known provision of the Higher Education Act, in section 428(b)(9)(A)(iv), and the regulations at 34 CFR 682.209(a)(6)(ix).)

You can change the repayment schedule on your loan once per year. So consider starting off with standard ten-year repayment on your consolidation loan. You are not required to start off with extended repayment. If you find it difficult to afford the payments, you can always switch to extended repayment later.

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Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

An Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a federally guaranteed loan that is not based on financial need. Interest will accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. You do not have to make interest or principal payments until six months after graduation, or six months after you drop below a half time status.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Benefits

• Increased limits - borrow up to $2,000 more
• Fixed interest rate - 6.8%
• No payments required while enrolled in school

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Interest Rate information

The current interest rate on an Unsubsidized Stafford loan is 6.8% fixed. Interest begins accruing after the loan is disbursed to the school. You are not required to pay the interest while you are in school, but doing so can save you money. If you choose not to pay the interest while in school then the interest is capitalized when the loan enters repayment after being in school, in your grace period, or after deferment.

What is capitalization?

This means that the interest that accrues is added to your principal loan balance, and interest then begins accruing on that new principal balance. You are essentially paying interest on interest. Here are two examples:

Example 1: You borrow a $6,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan and you pay the interest every month for 4 years.

• Starting balance: $6,000
• Accrued interest: $0
• Balance when you start repayment: $6,000
• Monthly payment: $69.05
• Total interest paid on loan for all time: $2,285.69

Example 2: You borrow a $6,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan and you defer the interest every month for 4 years.

• Starting balance: $6,000
• Accrued interest: $1,632
• Balance when you start repayment: $7,632
• Monthly payment: $87.83
• Total interest paid on loan for all time: $2,907.48

How much would it cost you to make the monthly interest payment in example 1? About $34/month. If you can manage to save or earn that much money during your four years of college, you could save yourself $621.79 in interest you won't have to pay back from capitalization.

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Subsidized Stafford loan

The subsidized Stafford loan is the best, first choice for students looking to borrow money for education.

What are the benefits of a subsidized Stafford loan?

• Low fixed interest rate, as low as 5.60%
• No payments while enrolled in school or in deferment
• No interest while enrolled in school or in deferment
• Acceptance not based on credit

Who is eligible for a subsidized Stafford loan?

In order to be eligible for the subsidized Stafford loan, you must meet the following qualifications:

• US Citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Enrolled half-time or more in an accredited academic program
• Have completed the FAFSA
• Have completed high school or equivalent (e.g. GED)
• Not in default or delinquent on any existing federal loan

Once you complete the FAFSA and receive the results, the Department of Education and your school will determine your final eligibility for the subsidized Stafford loan and what amount you may borrow, if any.

The federal government uses a universal formula to calculate a family's financial ability to assist in paying for their child's education. A student wouldn't be eligible to receive subsidized student loans simply because their parents refused to pay for a specific college for one reason or another (i.e., location, size, program options, religious affiliation, etc.). This student would have to find other options to pay for college such as college scholarships and/or taking out a private student loan.

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Stafford Loan for Undergraduate Students

Federal Stafford loans are fixed-rate student loans for undergraduate students attending a college or university that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Stafford loans can be used to pay tuition, and other eligible school expenses. Stafford loans are not based on credit, and they can be subsidized or unsubsidized depending on the student's financial need.

Subsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan while you are in school at least half time, or during any future deferment periods. The federal government "subsidizes" (or pays) the interest during these times.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans that are not based on financial need. Interest will accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school, but can be deferred until 6 months after graduation.

Undergraduate Stafford Loan Benefits

• Low fixed interest rate, as low as 5.60%
• Increased limits - borrow up to $2,000 more
• No payments while enrolled in school

Is there a course that you have not been able to fit in to your schedule last semester? Do you want to get ahead with your course work? Are you hoping to graduate early? Summer Session is a great opportunity to meet your academic goals and still balance your education with real life demands.

Stafford Loan Interest Rates

Note: Graduate Stafford Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized) have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% through 2013.

Academic Year	Subsidized Rates	Unsubsidized/Graduate Rates
2009-10	5.60%	6.80%
2010-11	4.50%	6.80%
2011-12	3.40%	6.80%
2012-13	6.80%	6.80%
Current Stafford Loan interest rates in effect from 07/01/2009 to 06/30/2010

Stafford Loan Limits

Dependent Students	Annual Loan Limits
First Year	$5,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized)
Second Year	$6,500 ($4,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized)
Third Year and Beyond	$7,500 ($5,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized)

Independent Students	Annual Loan Limits
First Year	$9,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$6,000 unsubsidized)
Second Year	$10,500 ($4,500 subsidized/$6,000 unsubsidized)
Third Year and Beyond	$12,500 ($5,500 subsidized/$7,000 unsubsidized)
Graduate or Professional	$20,500 ($8,500 subsidized/$12,000 unsubsidized)

Lifetime Limits
Undergraduate Dependent	$31,000 (Up to $23,000 may be subsidized)
Undergraduate Independent	$57,500
Graduate or Professional	$138,500 (Up to $65,000 may be subsidized) or $224,000 (for Health Professionals)
For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008.

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Stafford Loans for Undergraduate Students

There are two different types of Stafford Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized.

Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded based on financial need. You will not be charged interest before you begin repayment or during periods of deferment. The federal government "subsidizes" the interest during these times.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not awarded based on financial needs. Any eligible student can take out unsubsidized Stafford Loans. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed, to the time the loan is repaid in full.

Stafford Loan Limits

Dependent Students	Annual Loan Limits
First Year	$5,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized)
Second Year	$6,500 ($4,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized)
Third Year and Beyond	$7,500 ($5,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized)

Independent Students	Annual Loan Limits
First Year	$9,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$6,000 unsubsidized)
Second Year	$10,500 ($4,500 subsidized/$6,000 unsubsidized)
Third Year and Beyond	$12,500 ($5,500 subsidized/$7,000 unsubsidized)
Graduate or Professional	$20,500 ($8,500 subsidized/$12,000 unsubsidized)

Lifetime Limits
Undergraduate Dependent	$31,000 (Up to $23,000 may be subsidized)
Undergraduate Independent	$57,500
Graduate or Professional	$138,500 (Up to $65,000 may be subsidized) or $224,000 (for Health Professionals)
For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008.

The amount you can borrow is based on your grade level and your status as a student. Independent students may be eligible to borrow more because they are paying for college without assistance from family.

It is important to note that even if a student is financing their education on their own, dependency status is still determined by the school.

Based on your award letter, you may not always qualify for the maximum Stafford Loan amount. For additional loan funding, consider private student loans which allow you to borrow up to the total cost of education to qualify for Stafford Loans.
How do I apply for a Stafford Loan?

You first must complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA (for returning students). After the FAFSA is processed, your school will review the results and inform you of your loan eligibility by sending you an award letter. Once your award letter is received, you should apply for the Stafford Loan, as well as look at other federal student loans. If you aren't eligible for federal loans, you can then apply for private student loans.

less other financial aid received.
Am I eligible for a Stafford Loan?

You must be enrolled at least half-time (based on your school's definition of full and half time status)
When do I receive the Stafford Loan funds?

Your lender will disburse your Stafford Loan funds directly to your school in two installments – fall semester and winter semester. Your loan money will be used to pay your tuition and fees. If you have funds left over, your school will credit your account or pay you directly based on your school's policy.
What if I want to cancel my Stafford Loan?

Your school must notify you in writing whenever your account is credited with your loan proceeds. This notification must be sent to you no earlier than 30 days before and no later than 30 days after the school credits your account. You may cancel all or a portion of your loan if you inform your school within 14 days after the date that your school sends you this notice or by the first day of the payment period, whichever is later. Your school can tell you the first day of your payment period.

What are the Stafford Loan interest rates?

The interest rates for the 2009-2010 academic year are:

* Subsidized Stafford loans are at a fixed rate of 5.6%
* Unsubsidized Stafford loans are at a fixed rate of 6.8%
* All Stafford loans for graduate students are at a fixed rate of 6.8%

Rates can change yearly, check back with us for updates on an upcoming school year.
Will I pay any fees for the Stafford Loan?

There may be fees associated with the Stafford Loan. The fees vary by lender and can include a 1% default fee plus a 3% origination fee. The 1% default fee is a fee used by the lender to create a reserve to protect the loan program in instances when borrowers default on their loans. Default and origination fees, if charged, are deducted from the loan funds before they are sent to the school.
What are the repayment options for a Stafford Loan?

The standard repayment term for this loan is 10 years. You may be able to extend repayment by deferring or consolidating your federal loans.

You can choose one of the following plans:

* The Standard Repayment Plan requires you to pay a fixed amount each month based on your principle and interest but will be no less than $50 or the interest that has accrued.
* The Graduated Repayment Plan allows you to make lower payments at the beginning of repayment then, over time, your payments begin to increase. Each of your payments must equal the interest accrued on the loan between scheduled payments. Initial payments generally cover “interest-only” for the first few years.
* The Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan bases your monthly payment on your yearly income and your loan amount. Payments may change as your income rises or falls.
* The Extended Repayment Plan is for borrowers with FFELP loans totaling more than $30,000. This plan offers a choice of fixed or graduated payments over a period of up to 25 years.
* To consolidate your loans, please visit our consolidation section. Please note that deferment does not fix your rates, it merely puts payment on hold. To lock your rates, you must consolidate your loans.

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