Tag: student loan locator

We Did The Homework on the Top 7 Student Loan Lenders

Posted on | by Grace Douglas

Graduating from high school and choosing a college or university to attend is an exciting time. There are a bunch of celebrations, from the graduation ceremony to your personal graduation party, where you get to celebrate with your friends and family. Even getting everything you need for your new dorm room can be exciting, even if you are nervous about moving away from home for the first time and living in a dorm room with a stranger. But in the midst of all of the excitement, it is important to look at the reality.

College tuition fees are very high, and they are increasing almost every year. Over the last decade, public universities have seen a jump in tuition prices of 35%. Unless your parents can afford to outright pay for your college tuition fees, then you may have to consider a higher education loan from student loan lenders for assistance.

What You Need to Know About Student Loans

Before just searching for student loan lenders online, it is important to know some basics and statistics about student loans, so that you have a better idea of what you are dealing with.  Once you know how much you really need to borrow, you will be ready to learn how to sift through all of the student loan lenders online to find the best student loan lender for you. Even when you have to borrow money to pay for school, there are some ways to save money on your student loans. If you keep these tips in mind, then you could save yourself some money in the long term.

First of all, if you are feeling nervous about finding and dealing with student loan lenders, take a deep breath and relax. You are not alone. In fact, if you are in this situation, then it just means that you fall into the 70% of American college students who require student loans as financial aid. That being said, this is still not a decision to be taken lightly. The average American owes $36,847 in student loan debt. Whether or not this is necessary for you to finance your education, you should make informed decisions when dealing with student loan lenders, as it will have a big impact on your financial future. In order to make informed decisions, you should take the time to learn about personal loans and types of student loans.

What You Need to Know About Finding Student Loan Lenders

Once you have exhausted your other resources, such as using your own savings and getting federal student aid, you still may need some additional support. At this point, it is time to consider finding student loan lenders. To make your search easier, you can use a student loan locator. When searching and deciding between student loan lenders, you should keep these tips in mind:

  • You can not choose your own student loan lender for federal student loans.
    On the other hand, if you are searching for private student loan lenders, then the decision is completely up to you. While this can spend some time and effort, it means that you can make an informed decision, based on the advice below, in order to get the best student loan lenders for you.
  • Compare fees and interest rates.
    The fees and interest rates can vary greatly between different student loan lenders, so it is important to compare the rates of multiple student loan lenders before making your decision. There are many possible fees to look out for, including origination fees, early payment fees, and even lender costs.
  • Check your credit score before searching for student loan lenders.
    Your credit score could have an impact on whether or not you are able to get a student loan and at what rates. By checking out what your credit score is before searching for and comparing student loan lenders, you can find out the possible impact of your credit score on your student loan options and give yourself a more realistic idea of what kind of rates to expect.

Top 7 Private Student Loan Lenders

Not all student loan lenders are equal. If you want to make sure you only consider more trustful student loan lenders, then check out our list of top 7 student loan lenders. At a minimum, you need to make sure your provider is legitimate and not a scam.

1. Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank offers both fixed-rate and variable-rate private student loans for both undergraduate and graduate education, and students or parents are eligible to either borrow or refinance loans through the bank. Loan terms are from between 5 and 15 years, and borrowers may take out between $1,000 and $350,000, depending on how much they qualify for. If you are eligible, you can save money by not paying for application, origination, or disbursement fees, and you can also get loyalty and autopay discounts. There is an option of either making regular or interest-only payments while in school, and co-signers may be released after 36 consecutive on-time payments. Citizens Bank has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

2. Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae is a popular choice for private student loans. With low fixed and variable rates for undergraduates, Sallie Mae also has no origination fees or pre-payment penalties. One reason Sallie Mae loans are popular is that borrowers enjoy the flexibility with repayment terms, and unlike most lenders, Sallie Mae allows part-time students to take out loans.  A student or parent can apply for a loan and get a result in about 15 minutes. Borrowers can take out enough funds to cover any expenses associated with school-certified expenses, such as tuition, books, meals, travel, and even a laptop. Sallie Mae also has specialized graduate loans, including ones for bar study, law school, and dental and medical residency. International students may take out a student loan with a qualified U.S. co-signer.

3. College Ave

Another lender with a simple application, College Ave allows qualified parents and students to take out loans for undergraduate and graduate studies, including refinancing options. While there are no application or origination fees, College Ave does charge late fees of either 5% of the payment or $25, whichever is less, for any payment not received within 15 days of the due date. There are no limits beyond the borrower’s own creditworthiness, and loans can range from between $1,000 to 100% of the school-associated expenses. Co-signers can get a release after 24 months of consecutive on-time payments, not counting forbearance or deferment periods. Any deferment or forbearance situation is decided case by case.

4. Discover

Borrowers using Discover may qualify for both current and future loans with the multi-year option, meaning they can focus on their studies instead of worrying about whether they will be able to find a good loan in the following years. The multi-year process is simple and does not have an adverse effect on your credit score, and as long as you stay at the same school and pass a credit review you will continue to qualify for the same rate. There are no application, origination, or late fees, and loan specialists are available at any time to help with questions or problems. One thing Discover offers that is very unusual is a cash reward for good grades, equal to 1% of the loan amount. Anyone who earns the reward only has to log in within 6 months and claim it.

5. Earnest

Earnest is a great lender because of their low rates and lack of fees. Repayment terms are flexible, the application is fast and easy, and you can get a quote in as little as two or three minutes. As a private lender, Earnest has some extra incentives, such as a 9-month grace period and the ability to choose to skip a payment once a year. During the grace period, interest will start to accumulate, so borrowers have the option of making payments on the interest before the repayment period starts.

The minimum loan is $1,000, but there is no upper limit as long as the borrower qualifies. Single borrowers have 5 to 7 years to pay back the loan, but borrowers with a co-signer have between 5 and 15 years to pay back a loan. Unlike other lenders, Earnest requires borrowers to have at least 3 years of credit history, a minimum FICO score of 650, and a minimum annual income of at least $35,000.

6. Education Loan Finance

The unique thing Education Loan Finance offers is a referral bonus. All borrowers need to do to collect on the bonus is sign up for a referral link, share the link with friends through email and social media, and collect $400 for each friend that refinances through ELFI. The friend gets $100 toward the principal balance of their new loan. ELFI has higher standards than many student loan lenders and expects borrowers to have at least 36 months of financial history, a $35,000 per year income, and a credit score of at least 680. Students can borrow money if they are enrolled at least half-time. Every applicant at ELFI is assigned a Personal Loan Advisor, in order to help with the process and with any questions or problems.

7. MPOWER

MPOWER is a student loan lender designed by international students for international students. While other private lenders have more strenuous requirements, MPOWER Financing is one of the best lenders for borrowers with no credit history. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000, and borrowers have 10 years to pay back the loans. While there is no application fee, MPOWER does charge a 0.5% origination fee, although it is added to the balance of the loan and can be paid off over time. MPOWER offers several discounts, including autopay, on-time payment, and proof of employment and graduation. Borrowers don’t need to worry about co-signers because the process was set up so students wouldn’t have to worry about their credit history or score.

Loanry is here to help you with everything you need concerning student loans. We not only provide hundreds of informative articles on various financial topics for free, we also help you connect with the best lenders out there.

What You Need to Know About Saving Money on Your Student Loans

It is possible to save money on your student loans. While owing tens of thousands of dollars to student loan lenders is not uncommon, it is also not encouraged to take out more than you need. Many students just blindly accept the full loan amount when they get an offer from student loan lenders, but this is not required. You can choose how much you take, based on how much you really need. By not taking the full amount, you will save yourself from paying back interest later on the money you took and didn’t really need.

Besides just borrowing smart — by only borrowing what you need, you could also save money on your student loans and borrow less money by saving money before college starts. If you are only looking into student aid options when you are applying for college, then it may be too late, but if you are planning ahead, then you could save yourself from borrowing at least a fraction of your education expenses. You could get a job while in high school and save most of the money you make, as well as save any money you get as a gift for your birthday or Christmas. You and your parents can take advantage of programs like Ascensus College Savings that allow you to save money toward your education on purchases you make anyway, such as for gas or groceries both before and during college.

What You Need to Know About FAFSA

If you have been filling out college applications, then you have probably seen the acronym FAFSA. You may not have known what it stands for though: “Free Application for Federal Student Aid”. If you need assistance paying for college tuition, then filling out the FAFSA should be your first step. You should get a better understanding of the FAFSA and how it could possibly help you decrease the overall amount you need to borrow from student loan lenders. Filling out the FAFSA is the prerequisite to receiving any kind of federal financial aid, including:

Grants 

Grants are a great option of federal financial aid because they are basically an offer of free money. They typically do not have to be repaid, unless you withdraw from school and owe a refund or if you do not complete your service requirement, which applies if you receive the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. There are many types of federal grants available, but one of the most common is the Pell Grant. You may qualify for a Pell Grant if you can prove you have financial need and if you have not yet received your Bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships 

Scholarships are also a form of free money. They can come from a range of places, but one way to get scholarships is through the federal government. You could also find other scholarships, whether for academic merit — if you got good grades in high school, talent — if you play sports well, or for your particular area of study. Just be careful to avoid student loan scams when applying for outside scholarships. Your high school can help you find places to look for scholarships.

Loans

Loans are not free money. They are borrowing money, which you will later have to pay back, with interest. While it can be overwhelming to pay back your student loans, with interest, there are several repayment plans you can choose from. There are four types of direct loans to choose from, including direct subsidized loans, direct unsubsidized loans, direct PLUS loans, and direct consolidation loans.

Work-Study Jobs

Work-study jobs are made available through the Federal Work-Study Program. These jobs are a great way to earn some extra money for education expenses while in school, through part-time work. Getting work-study financial aid allows you to sometimes find a student job more easily since the money is funded by the government, so whoever you work for does not have to pay as much themselves. This is a great option, since you can work either on or off campus, though working on campus oftentimes means more flexible work hours, which will help you to fit in work around your academics.

Federal student aid isn’t your only option. You could also get aid from your state government or even from your college or university. Plus, don’t miss out on tax benefits for higher education, including tax credits for higher education expenses and student loan interest deduction.

Conclusion

Before searching for a student loan, make sure you do your homework. Knowing the statistics of student loans in the US and understanding the benefits of filling out your FAFSA and turning it in on time can help you make a more informed decision when choosing your student loan lender. Do not choose the first student loan lender you find, but rather shop around to find the best student loan lender for your situation. If you have any questions, many student loan lenders are more than willing to answer and help you, so don’t hesitate to ask!

A Lesson on Federal Student Loans vs. Private Loans

Posted on | by Brandy Woodfolk

Fingers walking on pile coins saving to hat graduation model

When it comes to covering the ever-increasing costs of college, it can get a bit confusing. There are several options to help with the expenses, the most common being federal student loans and private student loans. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these choices, so how does one know which route to go? Let’s start with an overview of both.

Federal Student Loans and Private Student Loans

There is a lot to consider when you are trying to choose between federal student loans and private ones. Each comes with its own ups and downs.

However, when compared carefully, there is a logical route to take when trying to cover the costs of college:

1. Fill Out the FAFSA

Even if you do not believe you will qualify for anything, it is worth trying. You just might find yourself completely surprised. And even if you do not qualify for subsidized loans, you still need to fill out the FAFSA for potential unsubsidized loans. You will not know what is available until you do.

2. Grants and Scholarships

Apply for as many grants as you can. If you qualify for the Pell Grant, the Student Aid Report generated by your FAFSA will inform your school of that. Also, if you are a minority, have a special interest, or a special skill, look into potential scholarships. For more information on grants and scholarships, talk to your financial aid advisor or a high school counselor, your religious group, and any organizations you or your family is a part of.

3. Subsidized

If you qualify for any subsidized loans, take them. You will not need to worry about any interest or payments while you are still in school.

4. Unsubsidized

Next, accept any unsubsidized loans that you qualify for. While you might- keyword here is might- get a higher loan amount and lower interest rate from a private loan, many experts agree that unsubsidized loans are still the best option. This is because, between those and private loans, unsubsidized loans are the only ones that offer several repayment options in case you hit financial trouble.

They might also be forgiven and you could consolidate them for a lower interest rate in the future. Even if you have several student loans, you can use the national student loan locator to track down all of your lenders. From there, you can calculate your total balance owed and consolidate them all into one payment, preferably with a lower interest rate and more favorable terms.

5. Other Sources

If you still need some help to cover college costs, consider ways you could make the money to cover them. Could you pick up a part-time job? Take on a work-study program? Have a giant yard sale? Get personal loans from family members? Income share agreement maybe? Do some odd jobs, like cleaning houses or babysitting? Is there a way to cut your college expenses, such as buying used textbooks or living with your parents instead of on campus? Is there a subject you could tutor others in? Get creative. Every $100 you can find on your own is $100 you do not have to borrow.

6. Private Student Loans

Only after you have exhausted all other options should you apply for private student loans. While they can be very helpful, they have too many potential downsides to be the first choice. Instead, they should be your last resort. Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to make loan payments while you are in school.

Following this sequence of funding should help you obtain the best financial aid package that you can get. Every student’s situation is different, of course, and many students end up with a combination of many loan types. The key is to take advantage of the best loan options first and let the less desirable ones be a “just in case” option.

Understand what your loan will cost along with all additional fees so you can be realistic about paying it back. Let Loanry try to help you. Our partnerFiona brings you the best offers from different lenders.

How Federal Student Loans Work

Federal student loans come from the government- namely the U.S. Department of Education. In order to qualify for federal student loans, you start by filling out the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA asks questions based on your income and your parents’ income if you lived with them in the previous year.

Through the information it gathers, the government determines what- if anything- you might be able to pay out of pocket for college costs. This amount is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Depending on your financial information, your EFC could be as low as $0.

Whatever your EFC, the school or schools you apply to will subtract that amount from their cost of attendance to determine how much aid you will need. They will then put together grants and federal student loans to cover your financial need. Some low-cost colleges, like community colleges, can be covered with a Pell Grant alone.

Others will need a combination of several aid types. If you can use only grants and scholarships, you are in good shape as those do not have to be repaid. Federal student loans do have to be repaid, so that needs to be taken into account when you are accepting an aid package.

If you are approved for grants and federal student loans, your aid is disbursed to your student account to pay for your tuition and other costs. If anything is left after paying the necessary costs, you can opt to have the rest either sent back to the loan provider or use it for other living expenses.

Federal student loans are a more popular option. In fact, of the approximate $1.5 trillion student debt, about $1.4 trillion in federal student loans while the rest is private student loans. Let’s take a look at why federal student loans are so popular and some of the disadvantages, too.

Advantages of Federal Student Loans

The several upsides to federal student loans are usually the deciding factors among students:

Does Not Rely on Your Credit

Federal student loans are based on your income and your need- not your credit. This makes them the best option for school loans for bad credit. Many students would not be able to attend school if their loans relied on their credit scores.

Repayment Options

When it comes time to repay your loans, there are several repayment options. These include IDRs or Income-Driven Repayment plans. Approval of an IDR means that your monthly payments are based on your income, and some low-income individuals even qualify for a $0 repayment plan for a set period of time.

While it likely will not last forever, it does give you the opportunity to get to a better financial state. IDRs are not the only repayment option, though. There are several programs that can help lower your monthly payments.

Potential Loan Forgiveness

In some cases, you can even get a portion or all of your student loans forgiven. Not everyone qualifies for student loan forgiveness, but it is a possibility- and it never hurts to try.

Interest

One of the great things about federal student loans is the interest. They generally come with a low, fixed interest rate. This means that no matter what other interest rates are doing, you will pay the same interest rate each month. The interest typically stays under 10 percent with some loans being as low as 3 percent.

Subsidized

Some federal student loans are what is known as subsidized. This means that while you are enrolled in school at least half time, the government pays your interest. You also have six months after graduation before the interest begins to accumulate, giving you time to start your career. During times of deferment of subsidized loans- times your payments are put on hold- you will not be charged interest, either.

Statistic: Number of recipients of federal student aid in the United States, by program in 2018/19 (in millions) | Statista

No Prepayment Penalty

While it is certainly not required for you to prepay any loans, you can do so without penalty when it comes to federal student loans. Many other loans, especially private loans, do penalize you for prepaying your loans. There are also federal programs through which you can refinance your loans.

Unsubsidized Loans

There are also unsubsidized loans that do not rely on your financial need. The difference is that the interest begins accruing as soon as the funds go to your school. However, that interest is still pretty low.

Disadvantages of Federal Student Loans

As great as federal student loans can be, they also have their downsides:

Lower Loan Limits

Federal student loans do come with loan limits as your aid is not allowed to surpass your financial need. Often, this can result in low loan amounts that do not cover all of the costs associated with college, leaving students to borrow from other sources.

Recertification

To remain eligible for grants and federal student loans, you must recertify every year by completing a new FAFSA. Granted, this is a small price to pay for help to pay for school, but it can be an inconvenience. Also, if you miss the deadline to apply, you may have to put off classes for a time.

Rules on Use

While there are federal student loans that can cover the full cost of attendance, there may be limits on what you can use the loans for exactly. If this is the case with your particular loans, it will be in the agreements you sign or you can ask your financial aid office for information.

How Private Student Loans Work

Private student loans, on the other hand, come from private sources. These include banks and credit unions, individuals, sometimes companies and corporations, and other private lenders. The application process is a bit different from federal student loans since private student loans are based on credit and financial resources. If your credit is not in good shape, you will likely need a co-signer.

Federal and Private student loan features

You can apply on your own through different banks and online lenders. However, your school may be able to help. When I was getting my loan package and needed extra funds, it was my school’s financial aid office that found me a private loan. They also acted as the go-between to get all contracts signed. If you need a private loan, ask your financial aid advisor if he or she has any information on where you should apply.

If you are approved for the loan, you can use it toward any education expenses you choose. The funds are typically sent directly to your school. With some private school loans, you can have any remainder left after those expenses sent to you for living expenses. With other private loans, they will be for the exact amount you need so there will be none left over.

Advantages of Private Student Loans

Private student loans may be a less desirable option, but they do have some benefits:

Higher Loan Limits

As private student loans are based on credit instead of need, you may qualify for higher loan amounts than you can receive through federal student loans. Additionally, with a high enough credit score, you might qualify for a lower interest rate than with federal student loans.

Not Need-Based

Private student loans are not based on need, meaning that anyone has the potential to receive them. This opens the doors to those who may not have such a high need but also cannot afford to pay for school upfront.

Great Supplemental Source

Sometimes – depending on your particular school and degree program – you will not be able to receive enough grants and federal student loans to cover the full cost. And if you have to retake a class or even decide to switch majors mid-program, you may not have enough federal aid to take care of it. This is where private student loans really shine. They are a great supplement to other types of aid.

Disadvantages of Private Student Loans

For many people, the disadvantages of private student loans far outweigh the benefits:

Variable Interest

Private student loans often come with variable interest rates. This means that your interest rate will fluctuate according to external factors. Every month, the amount of your payment that applies to the principal might change, making it more difficult to know when you will have the loan repaid.

No Subsidized Loans

Unfortunately, private student loans generally do not offer any type of grace period. The interest begins accruing immediately. In addition to that, almost all private loans require you to begin making payments while you are still in school. If you hit a financial roadblock, you cannot have your loan payments deferred like you can with federal student loans. Your lender expects their payment on time every month, regardless of your situation. This is not to say that a private lender will not work with you, but it is not something you should count on.

Less Payment Flexibility

While we are on the subject of paying your loans, private student loans offer much less flexibility than federal student loans. We already pointed out that deferment is not likely, but it does not stop there. Private student loans do not offer repayment programs based on your income. You are tied to the payment that you signed on for.

Relies on Credit Score

As stated previously, private student loans are not based on need but on credit and the ability to repay. While that can be good for some people, there are still many that do not have the credit score that they need. This leaves a gap in the middle- the students that do not qualify for enough federal aid yet do not have the credit they need to be privately funded.

Try to make your payments on time every month. In this way, you will boost your credit score. Keep in mind that your payment history can impact your credit score later.

No Loan Forgiveness

With federal student loans, there is at least the possibility of loan forgiveness. With private student loans, that is not the case. You will have to repay those loans, regardless of your situation or any other qualifications that might allow your federal loans to be forgiven.

Conclusion

Making wise choices when it comes to funding your college education is imperative to your financial future. With people in their 90s still owing student loans, choosing between the various options can be scary. No one wants to still be in college debt all of their life.

As such, it is important that each and every student carefully consider their options. We hope that this overview has given you some clarity on which direction you should take. As always, if you need additional information, consider consulting a financial advisor.

Your Educational Guide On How to Pay for College

Posted on | by Blaine Koehn

Hat graduation model on banknote saving for concept finance education and scholarships

So you’re thinking about going to school – or going BACK to school – or helping someone you love to go to school. Whether it’s you, your partner, or one of your kids, it’s always exciting to think about the possibilities of post-secondary education. Sometimes that means living on campus and taking on the full “college experience.” Other times, and increasingly common these days, it might mean needing a good laptop and reliable Wi-Fi because you’ll rarely actually see your professors or the people in your class. Sometimes it’s a mix of the two.

Whatever the case, it’s very possible that it’s your job to be excited and supportive, or – if the student is YOU – to be committed and hard-working. Maybe you’re trying not to sound worried, or focused on the “wrong things,” but chances are somewhere in all of the positive energy is a rather daunting issue.

Quote about education

You’re going to need to figure out how to pay for college.

Get the Money For Your Education: Student Debt Hacks

A decade or two ago, the answer would have seemed simple. How to pay for college? Student loans! Take out as much as you can from as many places as possible. And defer repayment for as many years as you can get away with! By the time you have to make your first payment. You’ll have a great career and tons of money and you won’t even miss that monthly installment!

Awesome, right?

Unfortunately, it didn’t always work out quite that way. It turns out college kept getting more expensive. And graduates often didn’t end up in the careers they expected making the kind of money they’d planned. Those loans kept coming due anyway. And before you know it, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, and Andrew Yang are all on stage arguing with Joe Biden – who just looks confused – about how to bail out half the country from their student loans.

In other words, it got bad enough to become a heated political topic – right up there with our involvement in foreign wars. And whether or not we should keep building “the wall.”

Suddenly, student loans were terrifying. They’re everyone’s absolute last option for how to pay for college. That’s not entirely fair. Student loans are a necessary option for the many college students, no matter what their age range or where they’re attending. And if you learn how to save money on a student loan, it can be a really good option for you. But let’s look at some other possible answers for how to pay for college first, then come back to them.

Save Up Ahead of Time

Here’s a great plan: before you enroll in college, work real hard and save up lots of money. So when it’s time, you can just pay cash and the problem is solved.

Alright, thanks for reading! We’ll catch you next time when we talk about—

What’s that? This isn’t a realistic plan? Are you sure?

Obviously, it’s ideal if you’re able to start separate savings account well ahead of time, whether the student is you or your offspring or anyone else for whom you’re responsible. Keep in mind that even a few thousand dollars can make a huge difference when it’s time figuring out how to pay for college. In addition to tuition, there are application fees, textbooks to buy, on-campus housing, and endless other expenses to consider. The ability to pay for many of these peripheral costs out of savings simplifies things considerably. And the less you have to borrow, the better.

Grants and Scholarships

Everyone knows that grants and scholarships are amazing, primarily because you don’t have to pay them back. The trick, sometimes, is finding them. They come from so many different sources. And because they’re often privately funded and target specific schools, demographics, majors, or other factors, there’s no one source for locating all for which you might qualify.

That does not mean, however, that you should ever, ever, EVER pay someone to look for grants, scholarships, or any other sort of financial aid for you. There are no secret codes for tracking these things down – no private databases or inside tracks. Every possible bit of information related to financial aid is free for the asking, and that’s how it should stay.

I’m going to assume you’re already familiar with the FAFSA. It’s your one-stop ticket for anything offered through state or federal government or the college or other post-secondary institution of your choice. The FAFSA acts as an informational tool for schools you’re considering, so they can help you with options. And a sort of universal student loan locator – at least when it comes to traditional student loan options.

You should always complete a FAFSA early in the process, however you plan on paying for school and whether you expect to qualify for aid or not.

The stuff that we’re talking about are things like that $500 scholarship your parents’ church offers for anyone going into the ministry, or the $2000 a local Native American group has available for anyone who can establish tribal membership or money from a local industry to support students pursuing training in electronic engineering or plasma physics or arts and crafts. Whatever it is they need more of but can’t find enough of.

The Magical Grant and Scholarship Locator

Do you have a mirror handy? It’s necessary for the sacred ritual which calls forth She-or-He Who Knows How To Pay For College Via Grants and Scholarships. You’ll also need a small glass of wine – preferably something red and inexpensive – and one of those little party favors you blow so it uncurls and makes that horrible baby duck noise. How many candles you light, and of what sort, is entirely up to you, as long as you have enough light to use the mirror.

Ready? It would be better if this part were in Latin. But I’m going to stick with modern English so it’s more accessible.

Hold up the mirror carefully, so that you can see your reflection in the candlelight. Now repeat these words: “I should start looking for some grants and scholarships myself because no one else is going to do it for me. And I’m not foolish enough to pay someone to do it.” Now, drink the wine and blow the party favor in celebration of a spell well-done, then get to work.

Gather all the information from the high school/college office

Start with your (or your kid’s) high school counselors or the college and career office in your district, if such a thing exists. You may find tons of excellent information, or you may be handed a few generic brochures or pointed to a website or two. They may be totally confused as to why you even asked. That’s OK, though, because it was worth asking. Sometimes those high school counselors are a gold mine.

Next, talk to the financial aid offices at your top 2 or 3 choices for where you’d like to attend. Find out what connections they have, what they know about, what they suggest. Your chances are much better with this group. Since they don’t make money unless you come to school there, and coming to school there means finding a way to pay for it. Try everything they suggest, whether it makes sense to you or not. No matter how successful, or not, we’re not done.

More Magical Locating (Still Figuring Out How to Pay for College)

Go to your local library (or call, if for some reason we’re all still “social distancing” by the time you’re ready to get started) and tell them what you’re looking for. Once again, you’ll often hit gold with this option. But it depends on who answers the phone or who’s at the desk. If you don’t get satisfactory responses the first time, try again during a different time of day or – better yet – a different branch.

Get online, but let me repeat – NO LEGIT ORGANIZATION IS GOING TO TRY TO CHARGE YOU FOR GRANT OR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION. You’re better off trying to help out that Nigerian Prince if you insist on being careless with your financial and personal information online. Instead, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool. Search the name of your state plus the words “grants and scholarships.”

Ask your parents to check with their employers. The bigger the company, the better the chances they have some sort of aid available. If you’re working, check with your employer. Even companies like McDonald’s are advertising their willingness to help with tuition for their employees Although, it’s probably safe to assume there are some strings and limitations attached.

But that’s OK because your goal at this stage isn’t to accept or refuse anything – it’s to gather options and information. Remember, you’re the Magical Grant and Scholarship Locator. By which I mean, you’re putting in the time and effort to find grants and scholarships to help you figure out how to pay for college.

How to Pay for College? Get Affirmative With Your Actions

Finally, ask yourself what “groups” you might belong to. Any demographic outside of “generic straight white able-bodied male” has organizations and advocates scattered across the country, many of whom offer small grants or scholarships for those who qualify. Now, you may be the sort who doesn’t like to see yourself as a member of this group or that. Maybe your politics or personal preferences are such that you don’t want to “play that card” for personal gain.

With all due respect, in this case, you need to get over that and apply for the grant or scholarship. The best thing you can do for yourself, your “group,” your community, family, state, or nation, is getting that education and be all you can be personally, professionally, and financially. If that means that for once in your life you have a chance to exploit the fact that you’re a one-legged transgendered Czech-Irish Buddhist, then go for it.

Don’t worry, we’re not going to think less of you for claiming that $400 stipend from the local chapter of similar folks.

Student Loan Shopping

There are a number of things to consider when it comes to student loans. And figuring out how to pay for college.

Traditional student loans (the ones offered through the federal government) have several advantages:

  • Fees and interest rates tend to be lower than what you might otherwise qualify for.
  • Your credit score is not a major factor in determining whether or not you qualify.
  • Repayment is often deferred until graduation or sometime thereafter.
  • Repayment can be tied to your income, so the less you make, the less your payments.
  • There are sometimes options for “debt forgiveness” if you work in certain professions or specified geographical locations.

Now, I’m about to talk about some other options for how to pay for college, or at least how to pay for part of your post-secondary education in other ways, should you so choose. That doesn’t mean I’m against student loans. As with any loan, I merely suggest you pay attention to the details. And don’t assume anything about the terms or your ability to repay without taking some time to consider all of the possibilities.

I’m not interested in telling you WHAT to do, my friend. If you’re about to enter an institution of higher learning, you should be able to do student loan shopping, gather information and consider your options. Then decide for yourself how to pay for college, yes?

Paying For College With Personal Loans

A personal loan is your most basic sort of loan. You borrow a specific amount for a set length of time. And agree to an interest rate and a structured, predictable plan of repayment. The terms you’re able to secure are largely driven by your credit history and three-digit credit score. Although, your current income and anticipated employment may play a role as well.

If you’re pursuing post-secondary education other than that offered in a traditional four-year university, a personal loan for students might be a helpful option. Not all forms of training or education qualify for traditional college loans, or the amount may be modest enough that you’d rather tackle it like any other financed expense. I’m not pushing this option for everyone. But depending on your circumstances, it might be the simplest and most obvious solution.

The Income Share Agreement (ISA)

This is an arrangement you make directly with your school of choice. Rather than borrow money for tuition with specific terms guiding repayment, you commit a percentage of your future income to the school instead.

The flexibility of the income share agreement is obvious – if you end up with a strong income, the school gets paid back quickly. If you don’t make as much as you’d hoped, your repayment is based on a percentage of that rather than the amount you actually owe. Typical ISA agreements are tied to a length of time rather than a dollar amount. So if you agree to give the school 7% of your income for ten years, you might end up paying way less for your education (if things aren’t going well) or double what other students pay (if your career takes off).

Most financial experts aren’t in love with ISAs. Do some research and make up your own mind before considering this option.

College Student Credit Cards

The answer to how to pay for college is almost never “Use a credit card!”  That doesn’t mean, however, that responsible credit card use can’t be a part of your plan for incidental expenses as you pursue your education.

Keep in mind that while credit card companies aren’t necessarily evil. They do have a vested interest in “hooking you” early. And start you along the path of eternal repayment without ever being repaid. Don’t just assume you know all there is to know about credit cards for students and fall into the trap of going to either extreme – careless use and irresponsible debt or absolute refusal to carry any form of plastic.

College, among other things, is about learning to adults. Responsible credit card use is part of Adulting 101. With great power comes great responsibility. And learning to use revolving credit responsibly gives you financial power and stronger long-term credit.

Conclusion

There’s no one answer on how to pay for college. Take some time and weigh your options, and above all else, DON’T GIVE UP. It can be a frustrating mess sorting through your choices and keeping up with everything, but guess what?

Welcome to college and the messy world of grown-ups. It may not be easy, but you’ll get so much better at it is difficult that you won’t even notice after a while.

Quote about motivation

Let us know if we can help.

Various Types of Student Loans: Borrow Smarter

Posted on | by Carla Turchetti

Graduation Cap for savings coins for scholarships for funding and education.

It isn’t easy to pay for a college education. The average price of one year at a public university, including tuition, fees, room, and board at the in-state rate is almost $21,000. The private school rate is almost $47,000. That can exhaust 529 plan savings pretty quickly. That’s why so many college students and their parents take out student loans to bridge the financial gap. So many loans that it is estimated there is $1.53 Trillion in student loan debt swirling around out there.

Everything About Different Types of Student Loan

When it comes to borrowing money to pay for college, there are options. Here is what you need to know about the types of student loans that are available to you.

Federal Student Loans

A loan is simply money you borrow that has to be repaid over time with interest. The federal government offers student loans and usually has better repayment terms than private lenders, like banks.

The federal government offers four types of student loans.

  • Direct Subsidized Loans-These types of student loans are for undergraduate students who demonstrate the need for assistance paying for college.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans-These are student loans offered to graduates and students. These types of student loans are not based on financial need.
  • Direct PLUS Loans-These types of student loans are for graduate or professional students or parents with undergraduate dependents who are students. These loans are designed to help with college expenses that aren’t already covered by financial aid. Borrowers of Direct PLUS loans have to pass a credit check.
  • Direct Consolidation Loans-These types of student loans allow a borrower with multiple outstanding federal loans to roll that debt into a single lump sum that is managed by a loan servicer.

How Do You Apply for Federal Student Loans?

The first step toward obtaining a fed student loan is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, or FAFSA. Before you sit down to work on this application gather up your Social Security number, previous Income Tax Returns, and W2s that demonstrate your income. You may need bank records and records of investments as well. If you are a dependent student you will need to have all of this information about your parents as well. You aren’t eligible to receive any federal loans or grants until your FAFSA is completed.

Based on the results of the application, your college or career school will make you an offer of financial aid that may include grants and loans. This is the time when you will be able to compare the financial aid being offered to you by different schools.

Before accepting an offer of federal student aid, you will be given counseling to make sure that you understand that the assistance is a loan that will have to be paid back with interest.

The FAFSA will need to be updated by you each year.

Schools often make decisions about scholarships based on the information in the FAFSA.

How Much Federal Aid Will You Receive?

Undergraduate students may have a borrowing maximum somewhere between $5500 and $12,500 each year in Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Graduate or professional students can borrow up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans each year.

Parents with dependent children who are undergraduates may borrow Direct PLUS loans for outstanding costs of college not already covered by financial aid.

One important note about offers of federal financial aid. Just because the government offers you money, you don’t have to take it. You can accept only part of what is offered to you if it aligns better with your repayment goals.

What are Some of the Positive Features of Federal Student Loans?

Federal loans are usually offered at a fixed interest rate. And that rate is usually lower than what is available at banks.

Most of the time no credit check or co-signer is required when taking out a federal student loan.

Federal loans offer a six-month grace period between the end of college and when payments on the loan have to begin. This is designed to give new graduates the chance to get on firmer financial ground. Interest does accrue during those six months.

Loan Repayment

The federal government offers flexible repayment plans including some that are income-driven and assume you’ll be making more money as you gain experience in the work world. You can ask for new repayment terms at any time. The government also works with borrowers who are having trouble meeting their loan obligations. Sometimes payments are lowered or temporarily suspended so that the borrower can get back on track.

Loan Forgiveness

The federal government also has programs in place that sometimes forgives the balance of student loans. One is called Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or PSLF. It is sometimes available for borrowers who work in qualifying government jobs or jobs in the non-profit sector. After the borrower makes 120 monthly payments, the program could be used to pay off all remaining student loan debt.

There is also a Teacher Loan Forgiveness program that educators can apply for after they have taught for five complete and consecutive years in a low-income school. That loan forgiveness program could discharge up to $17,500 worth of student loan debt.

Federal and Private student loan features

Private Lender Student Loans

There are private lenders that are in the business of loaning money to college students. These types of student loans come from banks, credit unions, and some online loan shops. You should only begin shopping for private loans if you have already exhausted all the available options in loans from the federal governments. The interest rates tend to be larger than government-backed loans. And the student’s credit history plays a factor in the loan.

How Do You Shop for Loans from Private Lenders?

When you are shopping for a student loan through a private vendor you are searching for the types of student loans with the best interest rate and the most favorable repayment schedule. You want to apply to a number of lenders so that you can compare their offers. Unlike the FAFSA form, you will be filling out applications for each potential lender. Private lenders don’t allow you to change your repayment plan as the federal government does. Changing the terms of a private loan requires refinancing or consolidating.

Some online stores bring you multiple offers from lenders very quickly after filling out their forms. These include sites like Credible and College Ave. These sites work as a student loan locator service. Their lending partners prequalify potential borrowers for loans at particular rates. You don’t pay more to use their service. The lenders pay a fee to be a part of their network. You also fill out one application and you may see as many as 10 loan offers which give you the tools to make comparisons.

Filling out one of these online forms doesn’t impact your credit score at all. It is noted as a soft request. Only hard inquiries become part of your credit history.

Things to look for in private loan offers

Interest Rate

What is the interest rate on the loan and is the interest fixed or variable? Fixed interest is set for the life of the loan. Variable interest changes throughout the loan and is tied to a financial metric. Sometimes interest rates on a variable interest loan can change without much notice.

Length of the Loan

The shorter the loan the less interest you will pay, but each monthly payment will be higher. This step requires looking into the future and evaluating the payments you’ll be able to afford.

Credit Check

Private lenders will do credit checks on loan applicants. Expect to pay a higher interest rate on a loan if your credit score is less than 690. Your credit score is based on your credit history and is usually reported as a 3-digit number. Three of the major credit reporting agencies are TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Many lenders require a co-signer for borrowers with low credit scores. This happens to recent college graduates who haven’t yet build a solid history of managing credit and debt.

If someone co-signs for your loan, your credit history becomes meshed with theirs. If payments are missing or late it impacts the credit score of the co-signer as well as you.

Successfully managing a student loan is one way to build a positive credit history.

The Actual Cost of a Student Loan

It can be a shock to calculate exactly how much that student loan is going to cost you. This online calculator lets you plug in the amount you’re borrowing, the interest rate being charged and the length of the repayment schedule for all types of student loans. You instantly what the monthly payment will be as well as how much money you are actually borrowing once the interest is paid. This online calculator can also show you how much money you could save. And how much earlier you could repay the loan by making additional payments.

Some lenders will offer financial incentives to have borrowers automate their monthly payments out of their checking accounts.

There is no penalty to accelerate payments on federal loans and most private loans.

Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Off a Student Loan?

It is usually not a good idea to take out a personal loan to pay off any type of student loan. In general, the interest rates on personal loans are higher than student loans. And personal loans usually come with a shorter payback time. Most have to be paid in full in five years.

A personal loan will not come with any grace period to begin making payments as federal student loans do. The interest on a personal loan isn’t tax-deductible. The interest on a student loan is.

Income Share Agreement

An Income Share Agreement, or ISA, is a non-traditional method for financing a college education. An ISA is an agreement between the student and the school that the student will repay the cost of the education after they have graduated and are out in the workforce. Instead of borrowing money upfront to pay for college, this is money paid on the back end.

In an Income Share Agreement, the school calculates what it believes to be the student’s future earning power based on what they studied and sets the payments accordingly. Tying the cost of college to a student’s major requires complete transparency on the part of the school and how it reports student success.

Income Share Agreements are only available at a limited number of colleges and universities.

Should I Put College Costs on a Credit Card?

When it comes to paying tuition with a credit card there isn’t one answer for everyone about whether it is right or wrong. If tuition is going to end up as a balance on a credit card that is subject to high interest and late payment fees, then taking out a student loan is a smarter choice. But if you are interested in capitalizing credit card rewards, charging tuition to a card might be a good strategy.

If the credit card accumulates reward points based on each dollar spent, then paying for a chunk of college could rack up many rewards.

Some cards will offer a sign-up bonus that increases the number of reward points exponentially.

Some card issuers offer 0-percent interest for a limited time when the card is brand new.

If your card has a minimum spending limit before rewards kick in, then putting tuition on that card may be the way to get to that threshold.

There are some things to watch out for that may erase the benefits of putting the cost of college on a credit card. Not all schools accept credit cards. But most of the ones that do will add a convenience fee on top of the payment. A convenience fee on a big purchase like tuition may erase any rewards or benefits that were earned. Another issue with putting college on a credit card is that the limit on the card might not be large enough for a tuition-sized expense.

If you use a credit card for educational costs treat it like it is a debit card. Completely pay the balance when it is due so that interest doesn’t begin to accumulate. Student loans offer a much better interest rate than credit cards.

Should I Consolidate My Student Loan Debt?

Consolidating multiple types of student loans into one loan can make it easier to track what has to be paid and when it is due. If your loans are all federal loans you can request that they are consolidated. The interest rate will be based on the interest rates of the original loans, so this isn’t a way to reduce payments by scoring really low-interest terms.

When private loans are consolidated it is usually referred to as refinancing. It is often done to capture a better interest rate. If you are consolidating federal loans and private loans into one package the federal loans lose some of the special considerations they once had like repayment options and forgiveness.

Conclusion

The first steps toward paying for a college education include tapping savings, applying for scholarships and grants and investigating work/study opportunities. But if you need student loans to bridge the gap between what you have and what college costs, start with the federal government. The government is in a position to offer the best interest rates on these types of student loans. The federal government usually doesn’t need a credit check before the loan is originated and offers a six-month grace period where no payments are due after graduation. Borrowers can request to change the repayment terms of their loan or consolidate multiple federal loans into one loan at any time. If you are beginning the search for federal loans you have to fill out a FAFSA form located on the www.studentaid.gov website.

Private lenders also issue student loans. They usually come with a higher interest rate than federal loans. When shopping for private loans you can compare the terms different lenders are offering you on these types of student loans. That includes interest rates and the length of the loan. You can go to individual lenders, like banks or credit unions, and fill out applications for each one. Or you can go to an online mall and fill out a single application that can prequalify you and pair you with loan quotes from the site’s preferred partners.

No matter where your loan originates you should commit to paying it back in full and on time. That will help you build a solid credit history.

How to Find Your Student Loan Servicer: Smart Tips

Posted on | by Jackie Strauss

Female student study in library using tablet and searching internet while Listening music

Student loan or campus loan repayments can be confusing. You know you have to make the payment. But where do you send the payment and where do you find your student loans? You won’t necessarily be paying the same entity that lent you money. Your student loan servicer and lender could be different so there are some things you need to know.

Finding a Student Loan Servicer

Finding your student loan servicer will be a different process depending on whether you have a private student loan or federal loan. If you have both types of loans, you will have to find your servicer for each one. There are nine different federal student loan servicers so it’s easier to find your servicer for your federal loans.

If you have a federal student loan then go to the National Student Loan Data System and use it as a student loan locator. Click on Financial Aid Review and then log in using your FSA ID. If you don’t have an ID number then you will have to create one. Once you log in you can see a summary of the loan data. This includes the different types of student loans you have, the amounts and any outstanding balances, and interest. Each loan also has a number next to it. And, if you click on it, it expands your information and contact information for the lender at the bottom of the page.

National Student Loan Database Login

If you have student loans that are private, it takes a little more work to find the student loan servicer. It helps to start looking at your credit reports. And you are able to access your reports from the three main credit bureaus. You can also check your most recent loan statements to find the servicer.

What Does a Student Loan Servicer Do?

The student loan servicer is the company that manages your student loans. They act as a third party and a middleman between your lender and you. When you do make a payment toward your loan, it is the servicer that manages it. Servicers work with borrowers to help manage student loan repayment. If you need to change your repayment plan or apply for forbearance or deferment then you need to discuss your options with the student loan servicer.

You will want to work with your student loan servicer as best you can. Once you start earning money to pay toward your loans you may want to pay off certain loans first, such as the ones with higher interest rates, which can help you save some money on your loan. Contributing more than your scheduled payment can help you save interest.

Contact your servicer to learn how to apply for your additional money. Instead, they may just apply any extra payments and money toward the next month’s bill. You may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness if you work in a certain field for a specific period of time. In order to make sure you are on track to get this benefit, you need to work with your student loan servicer to determine whether the loans are eligible, whether you are in a repayment plan that is qualifying, and whether or not you have properly filled out the forms.

Choosing a Student Loan Servicer

List of federally approved student loan servicersWhile you don’t get to choose a student loan servicer for your federal loans, when you choose a private student loan lender you are also choosing a student loan servicer so it’s important to choose a private student loan lender carefully.

When choosing a private student loan lender, the most important things to look for are fees and interest rates. In order to check this, you may need to do some shopping around. The rates you will find are just like other loans. And will depend on the market interest rate and your credit history. Some lenders require a co-signer, such as relative or parent, who will also shoulder responsibility if you stop making payments. This means that your payment activity impacts their credit score, which is not something you really want to do to the co-signer. When looking at the costs for the private student loan lender, consider the interest, origination fees, early payment fees, and the lender costs.

You Can Not Choose Your Student Loan Servicer for Federal Loans

You, unfortunately, don’t get to choose your loan servicer and are assigned one. If you have student loans from the federal government then your student loan servicer will be assigned by the Department of Education. The servicer’s job is to help you keep your loans in good standing by giving you the resources and support you need. However, you need to know that they are private companies, which means they can offer choices that may not be the best for you. You have to also be your own advocate by knowing your different repayment options and asking questions when dealing with your student loan servicer.

What to Do with Complaints About Student Loan Servicers

Many borrowers feel frustrated with their student loan servicer. Many complaints are in relation to the information that servicers provide and issues about affordability. As comments continue to show some of these issues that borrowers face, there could be some changes in the industry. However, even if there are complaints about your student loan servicer, you will need to go directly to them and work out any issues.

Student Loans Can Be Transferred to a New Servicer

It can be common to see either private or federal student loans transferred to a new servicer at any point, including in the repayment phase. Since the student loan servicer handles the transfer of the account it doesn’t affect your student loan terms. You will usually get electronic or mail notifications that your student loan is now being serviced by a new company. If this happens, you should continue making payments on time to the old servicer as instructed in order to avoid any late or missing payments.

Switching Your Student Loan Servicer

If you have federal loans, you can exit the federal loan system and have a better chance of selecting your student loan servicer when you refinance your loans privately.

What to Do Once You Find Your Student Loan Servicer?

Once you know who your servicer is you should then create an account on their site. In order to do this, you usually need to create a username or password. And then share relevant information, such as your Social Security Number, name, and address. You will also need to secure your account with some security questions. When you have registered, you are able to connect your bank information and then make payments directly. You are also able to send checks but it can be much easier to pay online.

There can also be other benefits to paying online. For example, you may get a reduction in your interest rate if you sign up for automatic payments. If you don’t want to sign up for autopay then see if you are able to sign up for online alerts so you are able to be reminded when a payment is due so you never miss a payment.

How Your Student Loan Servicer Can Help You?

Your student loan servicer can help you with many things once you track them down:

  • update your contact information
  • check your loan status
  • find details on payment amounts
  • help you make your payments

Being proactive about reaching out to your servicer and managing your loans is a good strategy to correct any issues, avoid errors, and help you keep your payments on track.

Forbearance with Your Student Loan Servicer

It is not unusual that you can not pay your student loan. According to some student debt statistics, the total amount of student loan debt in 2020 is over $1.67 trillion. If you are unable to pay your student loans then your loan servicer could suggest forbearance. Forbearance is the option to delay payments and you don’t have to make payments while loans are in forbearance. It sounds pretty great but it may not be the best option. While in forbearance, your loans still accrue interest. The interest is added to your balance once your loans are out of forbearance and you are back to making regular payments.

This means that unless you can cover the interest while your loans are in forbearance, your balance will be higher as you start to enter repayment. Since the interest keeps accruing, forbearance should be only temporary and a short-term solution and not a long-term solution.

Do You Have Federal or Private Student Loan?

Whether or not you can get forbearance from your student loan servicer will depend on whether or not your loans are federal or private. Federal loans will usually offer more generous forbearance terms than private lenders.

Not all forbearance terms are the same and for federal student loans, there are two types. General forbearance can be an option for you if you aren’t able to make payments due to financial difficulties, medical expenses, an employment change, or other reasons. You have to apply for this type and the servicer has the right to deny the application at their discretion. Mandatory forbearance is used in different situations when you are in a residency program or medical internship, an active National Guard Member, or your payment is more than 20% of your monthly gross income. If you qualify for this then the servicer isn’t able to deny the request.

In certain cases, your service provider can actually place loans in forbearance without you filling out a form. For example, forbearance can happen during a natural disaster when you aren’t able to make payments. There are other reasons why your account may be in forbearance.

Don’t Make Decision About Forbearance Too Quickly

While it can seem tempting to jump at the chance to not have payments for a time period, you should look at your situation before you make the decision. Why do you want to delay the payments? Are you looking for a long-term or short-term solution? Could deferment be a better option? If you decide that forbearance is your best option then it helps to make interest-only payments during this time period. The small payments that chip away at the interest will benefit you in the long run. The less interest you get in forbearance, the less your principal will go up when you are done with forbearance. If you are placed in forbearance and you can actually make your payments then cancel your forbearance so you can work toward lowering your principal instead of letting it grow.

Deferment with Your Student Loan Servicer

This can be an option with your student loan servicer. Deferment actually excuses you from making a student loan payment for a certain period of time because of a condition in your life, such as hardship, unemployment, or returning to school. Unlike forbearance during this time, interest doesn’t accrue. You can usually qualify for deferment on a federal student loan if there are specific conditions and criteria for the loan time and you aren’t more than 270 days behind on your loan payments. You can defer student loans for only so long but usually, the maximum is for three years total. In order to apply, you need to send your servicer the right application and the necessary documentation. Your servicer needs to grant you deferment if you qualify but keep making payments until you are officially approved.

There are Different Types of Deferment Depending on Your Needs

  • In-School Deferment: This deferment is when you pause your loan payments while you are enrolled in college at least half time and the six months after you leave school or graduate. If you qualify then you should automatically get this but if you don’t, ask the enrollment office to send the information to the servicer.
  • Unemployment Deferment: In order to qualify for this, you will need to be unemployed and getting unemployment benefits, as well as diligently seeking full-time work. Many borrowers can get up to 26 months of this type of deferment but you will need to apply every six months.
  • Economic Hardship Deferment: You can qualify for economic hardship if you are getting federal or state assistance, such as through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or if you are not working full time and earning a monthly income of less than the poverty guidelines for your state or volunteering for the peace corps.
  • Military Deferment: If you are on active military duty then you can postpone payments. Your service needs to be related to a military operation, national emergency, or war in order to qualify. You are able to qualify for this deferment as long as you are on active military duty. You are also able to use it for 13 months after the service ends or you return to school.
  • Cancer Treatment Deferment: Cancer patients that have student loan debt can also get a deferment during treatment and for six months following the conclusion of treatment.
  • Other Types of Deferment: Other private lenders will also let you defer student loans while in the military or school. Be sure to contact the lender for eligibility details and to find out how to apply.

Deferment on Private Student Loan Cost More

If you have private loans then student loan deferment can be expensive. These loans may accrue interest during deferment and you will be responsible for paying it. If you don’t pay this while your loans are in deferment then unpaid interest is added to the loan balance, just like forbearance.

Income-Driven Repayment with Your Student Loan Servicer

If you are worried about affording payments in the long run and deferment or forbearance isn’t an option for you then an income-driven repayment can offer some immediate relief and some other benefits:

  • You Will Likely Pay Less Every Month: Many factors factor into how your payments are calculated. If you are deferring loans because you don’t earn a lot of money then your payments could be as low as $0, which is basically the same as pausing them altogether.
  • You Can Save on Interest: A big benefit of deferment is not paying interest on any subsidized federal loan. However, most income-driven pans also waive the costs if your payments don’t pay for your accrued interest. This will last for three years, which is the same as economic and unemployment hardship deferments.
  • You May Get Loan Forgiveness: After 20 to 25 years of payments, income-driven plans will forgive the remaining balance on your payments. And forgive any remaining balance on your loans. Instead of pausing payments for three years with deferment, you could be paying under an income-driven plan and be closer to forgiveness than with deferment.

It’s possible that you will pay more interest overall on an income-driven repayment plan since these plans extend your repayment term. Use a repayment estimator to calculate short- and long-term costs. Then you can see if this is the right plan for you compared to deferment or forbearance.

Conclusion

Sometimes, with a good interest rate, personal loans can help you to get out of debt. But this is for some other story. While you may not have a choice in your student loan servicer, finding the servicer is an important part of getting your loans repaid. Working with your servicer is going to be in your best interest in order to make sure that you get your loans paid and to find the best repayment plan for your needs, whether it’s forbearance, deferment, or an income-driven repayment plan.

Loan Shopping

If you’re on the lookout for a loan, we have some options for you. But in order to find the best lenders and best deals for you, we need a bit more information.