Are you at that point where you are in absolute need of funding? To further your studies at the grad or master’s level. Or maybe, you’re facing challenges and can’t continue with your undergrad due to financial issues and don’t know where to apply for a loan. If that’s the case, I am here to help you get there.
You probably know that getting an education loan is by far the best option out there. Some banks and government organizations can offer that at amazingly low-interest rates.
But before I will give you a step-by-step procedure on how a student loan goes about, you need to know what kind of student loan you need. Also, which is going to be the most suitable for you?
To put it simply, there are two types of student loans that you need to consider. We will also help you to make a pick for which is best for you and which is the one you are eligible for.
We have the option of secured loans requiring collateral securities. On the other hand, there are unsecured Loans that do not need collateral securities but you will require a third-party Guarantee. That is, someone to vouch for the loan on behalf of you.
These conditions typically depend on the loan value. Some of these student loans are interest-free and some need a low-interest rate to pay. There is a lot to take into consideration as far as getting a student loan is concerned.
WHAT TYPE OF LOAN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR?
As the years go by, tuition fees and costs of living inflate on a yearly basis. This makes it difficult to afford higher education. Educational or School Loans have their most and least amounts offered to students.
In most scenarios, these loans do not cover all costs you might have to bear. There are also specific documents required to initiate the process of applying for a student loan.
Types of loans available for students.
There are two main types of student loans: federal and private. The main difference between the two is that federal loans are issued by the government. While private loans can be issued through sources such as banks, schools, credit unions, or government agencies.
You have to be careful while choosing these loans, as some lenders who offer private student loans are sometimes confusing. Because it also offers federal student loans on behalf of the US government as well.
Federal student loans
Federal loans are offered by the department of education under the US Government. You must apply for Free Federal Student Aid, known as a FAFSA, to access most federal student loans. Except for PLUS loans, no credit check is required while applying for federal loans.
Their interest rates are not credit based and regulated by federal law and are generally lower than those on private student loans.
Types of Federal Loans
Depending on your financial planning or requirement, you may have several federal loan options to choose from. This includes Direct subsidized loans: These loans are available to students who demonstrate financial need under the FAFSA.
Under the FAFSA, this amount is limited to meeting your financial needs. The government pays the interest until the loan is repaid. If a student is absent from school or falls short of the allotted time, repayment of the loan will begin and there will be a six-month grace period before interest is charged.
Direct unsubsidized loan
This is a university loan aka, the graduation loan. Students are not required to prove their financial need for applying for these types of loans. For unsubsidized loans, the government will not pay interest. This interest begins to accrue when the school issues the loan.
For unsubsidized loans, the borrower is responsible for all interest incurred during and after the school year. Unsubsidized loans are for undergraduate or postgraduate students.
Direct PLUS Loans
The US Department of Education offers direct PLUS loans to graduate or professional students. Parents can also take these loans for their dependent children. PLUS loans require a separate application other than the FAFSA, a credit check, and a good credit history.
This amount is intended to cover all other expenses that are not covered in any other federal loans. Direct Consolidation Loans: If you have multiple federal loans, you can combine them into a single loan from a single provider. The new loan is called a direct consolidation loan.
Benefits of federal loans.
- Fixed and low-interest rates (remains the same for the duration of the loan).
- Possibility to borrow without signing a contract.
- Repayment plans begin 6 months after graduating from college.
- Flexible repayment plans, such as income-driven and deferred repayments.
- If you work in certain professions such as a teacher and public service, some of your loans may be waived. This means that you do not have to return it.
- In most cases, a co-signer or a guarantor is not required.
- A credit check is only required if you apply for a PLUS loan.
- The interest is tax-deductible.
Private Student Loans
What you need to know about private student loans is that they are generally more expensive compared to federal loans. They change higher interest rates and students must start making monthly payments while they are in school.
The lenders decide all the terms of the loan. Students are responsible for all interest payments. Don’t expect help from the government if you are applying for a private student loan.
These loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Federal student loans have a fixed interest rate while private student loans do not.
Lenders often use their own criteria to determine the terms of a loan. But overall, a good credit score (usually 670 or higher) provides the best rates and terms.
On the flip side, this makes it difficult for undergraduates to obtain private student loans due to their short credit history.
College students often require a co-signature for a private loan. However, in some cases, you can get a student loan without a cosigner as well.
Most importantly, private student loans do not come with the loan protection that federal student loans provide. Private loan borrowers do not have access to income-based payment plans.
Forgiveness if they work in public service and a generous deferment plan if they have financial problems are not included in private student loans. However, it is best to use federal loans to the fullest before switching to private loans.
How do private student loans work?
For the record, private student loans are offered by non-governmental lending institutions such as banks, credit unions, schools, or government agencies. The amount you can withdraw and how you can repay depends on the lender.
Federal loans are often better than private loans, as you must know that private loans are less flexible.
Some key points about private loans to keep in mind are:
- You may have to start payments while you are in school.
- Loans may require a credit check and co-signatory.
- Interest rates are subject to change. It depends and varies with the financial markets.
- Interest rates of some private student loans can be as high as 15%.
- The interest is not tax deductible.
How does the interest rate on a student loan work?
Interest rates can be your friends. The good return on your investment due to high-interest rates will increase your money from hundreds of dollars to a huge pile of cash. But what about the interest on the loan? This is a completely different story.
The way you pay interest on the loan means that you will pay more than you borrowed. This is the worst scenario to think about but it is real.
To understand the interest rate on a loan, you must be acquainted with a few technical terms for a better understanding. This might be a bit boring, but it’s important… don’t skip this.
Loan repayment period
This simply translates to the time taken to repay the loan. For most federal loans, that term is 10 years but can be up to 30 years depending on your financial situation. For private student loans, the period may vary depending on the terms of the loan agreement.
Interest rate
Federal loan interest rates can vary from one resource to another. But they are usually fixed, which means that the interest rate stays the same every year. The interest rate of private loans usually depends on your credit rating. So it can be modified or changed.
Principal of the loan
It is the amount you owe to the lender for taking the loan. Interest
rates are not included with the principal amount. So if you borrow $35,000, your principal amount will be $35,000 only.
Here’s the math (the part everyone loves)
Let’s say you have $35,000 in equity and you have a 10-year loan term with a fixed interest rate of 5% (the interest rate is usually 3.73 – 5.28%, depending on the type of loan).
With these amounts, your monthly student loan payment is just $370 and the total interest over the term of the loan is close to $9,550. So you might start with a $35,000 loan, but you’ll actually end up paying about $44,550.
That’s the easiest way we can break it down for you!
How do I apply for a student loan?
The application process for federal student loans and private student loans varies. Remember that you should only apply for private student loans once you have exhausted your federal student loan options.
Federal Student Loan Application Process.
If you are applying for federal student loans, the starting point is the FAFSA
First things first, you will need a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). If the student is a dependent, then both parents and students are required to have an FSA ID that acts as an electronic signature when completing various federal student registration documents.
If you are a parent, complete the FAFSA for you or your child. You can start the registration process at FAFSA.gov. Enter the student’s and parent’s personal information, including name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Fill out your demographic and financial information before signing and submitting the form.
If you are accepted into the university, you will receive a letter of thanks from the institution. Your award letter will state the amount of student assistance you have received, including federally subsidized business loans and federal student loans.
You will have the opportunity to respond to the award letter and accept or decline the student loan offer.
Private student loan application process
If you have lost the chances for your federal student loans and still require funds, you can apply for a private student loan. You do not need to submit a FAFSA to apply for a private student loan.
Then, you must visit every lender to apply. Some lenders may first check if you qualify for a loan based on your credit score and history and will usually require a trusted guarantor.
Applying process for private student loans varies from lender to lender. But in general, they ask about financial and school information. It sometimes asks for the amount you need after graduation and whether you are applying with a co-signatory.
Conclusion
In today’s world, the rate of tuition fees has increased drastically. Simultaneously there has been an increasing demand for college degrees among middle-class families. Hence student loans play an important role in most people’s financial life.
Student loans can be daunting, stressful, and boring to think about. However, knowing about student loans, interest rates, and payment plans will not harm you. Instead, the knowledge you gain can dispel some of your concerns. As you can borrow money to cover your future and plan for repaying it accordingly.
The decisions you make today have a lasting impact on your financial security in the future. So you must know inside out before applying for a student loan, as financial security will be a key point to consider when you grow up in your life.
FAQs
The application process for federal student loans and private student loans varies. Remember that you should only apply for private student loans once you have exhausted your federal student loan options.
For the record, private student loans are offered by non-governmental lending institutions such as banks, credit unions, schools, or government agencies. The amount you can withdraw and how you can repay depends on the lender.
Interest rates can be your friends. The good return on your investment due to high-interest rates will increase your money from hundreds of dollars to a huge pile of cash. But what about the interest on the loan? This is a completely different story.
This is a university loan aka, the graduation loan. Students are not required to prove their financial need for applying for these types of loans. For unsubsidized loans, the government will not pay interest. This interest begins to accrue when the school issues the loan.
The US Department of Education offers direct PLUS loans to graduate or professional students. Parents can also take these loans for their dependent children. PLUS loans require a separate application other than the FAFSA, a credit check, and a good credit history.
This amount is intended to cover all other expenses that are not covered in any other federal loans. Direct Consolidation Loans: If you have multiple federal loans, you can combine them into a single loan from a single provider. The new loan is called a direct consolidation loan.
Federal loans are offered by the department of education under the US Government. You must apply for Free Federal Student Aid, known as a FAFSA, to access most federal student loans. Except for PLUS loans, no credit check is required while applying for federal loans.
