Student loans are designed specifically for education funding. It is a form of good debt, an investment in education, thus you have to know what it’s all about and how it works and how to get student loans.
How Student Loans Work
These are some of the key features that makes student loans different from credit cards and other loans. They are;
Low Costs
Typical student loans are often less expensive than other types of loans which might currently qualify for. Now these are the factors that keep the costs low;
Federal student loans, which is offered via the U.S. government. This, has borrower friendly features and the interest rates are relatively low and are fixed for new borrowers. This is so you don’t have to worry about dramatic changes in your interest costs or payment shock.
Interest costs may be subsidized (or paid by the government) for some students.
Student loans are relatively low-risk loans for lenders, and some lenders see a degree-mostly in certain fields-as an indication of income thatis available to repay your loan.
Easier Approval
Most student loans, do not require high-paying jobs or high credit scores, thus students who do not have the above mentioned can get an easy approval for a student loan. Federal student loans on the other hand typically do not need any minimum credit score, even though some issues in your credit history can disqualify you.
Benefits at Payback Time
Some student loans, come with borrower-friendly features which makes repayment more manageable. Loans gotten through government programs are the best, even though some private lenders provide flexible terms also.
In-school deferment: Loans that come with In-school deferment gives you the allowance to make payments when you are out of school. This will enable you focus on your studies, and during that time, interest costs on subsidized loans may even be paid so that your loan balance does not increase.
Unemployment: Some students loans mostly federal student loans, offer unemployment deferment, which allows you make payments when you find a job.
Limited Income: Federal student loans have a way of adjusting your required monthly payments when money is tight. When you sign up for income-driven repayment plans, thus you can avoid burdensome payments.
Potential tax benefits: The interest you pay on student loans, may help reduce your taxes. But note, that the benefits may be limited based on your income as well as other factors on your return.
Loan forgiveness: There’s a possibility of having your student loans forgiven. Those who borrow with federal student loans may qualify for forgiveness after ten years of payment as well as employment in certain public service jobs. Others also on income-driven repayment plans, might qualify after 25 years-but forgiven balances may be taxable as income.
How To Get Student Loans
Student Loans are not difficult to procure once you go about it the right way. So here’s how to get one;
Begin with your school’s financial aid office and inquire from them the types of aid that are available. Ensure you discuss grants and scholarships, and loans as well.
The next stage, is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form from where you can gather information about your finances. The U.S. government and your school will use that information to determine your need for financial aid. Thereafter, complete your FAFSA as soon as possible every calendar year.
Apply for aid with your school’s financial aid office as well as through any other promising sources, and wait for the results. If approved, you can decide whether to take all or part of the aid available, and you’ll also need to probably complete an introductory entrance counseling session to learn how your loans work.
If you desire to get a private loan, look for a lender that meets your needs, and complete a loan application with that lender.
Alternatives to Student Loans
Here are other options you can take advantage of apart from student loans;
You can better still apply for grants and scholarships to reduce the amount you borrow.
Cut down on costs and improvise with used books, inexpensive entertainment as well as homemade food to help you with savings.
You can work part-time both for the money and experience which will help you in financing the cost of your education.
Final Take
Note that you don’t have to borrow money, because the more you borrow, the harder it can be to repay. Even though student loans are essential to a brighter future, you should also note that student loan debt can also be a serious burden. This is because every time you get funds from a student loan, you have to repay all of that money (plus interest) at some point in the future.
If you have to borrow be it for financing,your education or establishing credit, you must ensure you make on-time payments to get more easily qualified for other loans in the future.