Learn About the Primary Three Types of Student Loans

Dec 16
15:07

2007

Sam Ellis

Sam Ellis

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There is no need to stress about finding the right student loans for you. There are a number from which to choose. All you need to do is take the time necessary to hunt them down. Your college's financial advisor will be able to help you make the best decisions. Remember that you will be obligated to repay your student loan after you are done with school. A student loan can help you get the education you have always wanted.

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There are a number of different types of student loans. They are all created to help students and parents discover the right choice for their respective situation. The overall cost of both private and public colleges are steadily increasing and students need to find the means for funding their education. Deciding which student loan,Learn About the Primary Three Types of Student Loans Articles whether a private or  federal student loan, is a very important decision. You will eventually be responsible for paying it back, so research all of your options. 

What is a Student Loan?

A student loan is an educational loan from a lending institution intended for the payment of tuition and additional collegiate expenses. These loans are used for a number of degrees and programs. Some of the more common are undergraduate and graduate degrees and law or medical programs. You, as the borrower, must begin to repay the loan after you are finished with school. In addition to the cost of tuition, student loans can be used towards the purchase of books and computers. 

Types of Student Loans

There are three primary types of student loans available, a federal student loan, a private student loan or a parent loan. Two of the most common federal loans used by students are Stafford loans and Perkins loans. What is beneficial behind a federal student loan is that federal laws regulate the interest rates charged for these programs. A lender has to offer a federal loan at the specified interest rate, which is usually lower than the national interest rate. A federal student loan can also be consolidated after the student graduates, allowing the student loan repayment plan to fall under one large umbrella.

Private student loans are separate from federal loans, and students applying for these don't have to fill out federal forms. Private lenders offer these loans, making them cost more because there is no legal requirement to stay within a certain interest rate. Private loans also require a student to submit their credit history, and the interest and fees paid on the student loans are based upon the student's credit score. Parents may be required to co-sign for a private student loan, making them responsible if the student has to defer payments at any time.

A parent loan, or the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), is a type of student loan parents apply for to encompass any additional cost their child's financial aid or student loans won't cover. PLUS loans, like other federal loans, come with a fixed interest rate. These loans can also be consolidated, like the Stafford and Perkins loans, and parents are fully responsible for repaying PLUS loans to the lender after they are disbursed.

Finding student loans that are right for you doesn't have to be a difficult task. It just takes a little time and research before making a final decision. Talking with your college's financial advisor can help you go down the right path when choosing a loan. It is important to go over all the student loan repayment options when choosing a loan program from a lender because you will be financially responsible after graduation. Deciding upon the right loan can help you achieve your dreams of higher education.