Consolidate Student Loans

College Student Loans – Federal and Private Loans

When a student or parent sets out to obtain a loan and/or financing a college education there are a many different sources they can go to in order to acquire the funding necessary. However, there are two different categories of loans which are either federal loans or private loans.

As for federal funding for college, in many cases it is much easier to get the financing if you fit the criteria set in place. By far, one of the most popular federal student loans is the Stafford loan. There are two types of Stafford loans which are the federal family educational loan and the William D. Ford federal direct loan. The process of obtaining a Stafford loan is through the student filling out a federal student aid application, then once approved they will sign a promissory note on the loan.

The only real difference between the two types of Stafford loans is where the actual funding is coming from. For a direct loan, the funds are coming directly from the federal government as for a FFEL loan, the funding comes from either a bank, credit union or another participating lender in the program.

There are also a couple more that should be mentioned in this article and those are the Parent PLUS and Perkins loans. First, the Parent PLUS loan is designed for parents in need of assistance for paying their child’s college fees. This loan basically will fill in any gaps that the parent needs in order to cover all the college expenses fully.

The Perkins loan is basically a student loan which can be applied for at the college or university financial aid office which usually has a very low interest rat, but has a maximum loan amount of around $4,000 each year for students. They are federal fund and can be added to other types of funding. There are late fees and fees for skipping payments on the Perkins loan as well.

These loans and more can all be inquired upon at your selected college or university.

Credit history may not be as necessary if it is necessary at all in obtaining these types of funding options. As opposed to federal student loan funding, there are many private lenders willing to provide assistance for college funding as well. However, if you so decide to take the private lender route for financing a student loan, it is important to remember that most will need a bit of a credit history from the potential debtor and will most likely require a co-signer on the loan if the student with not much credit history at all is attempting to obtain the financing.

Federal funding for college students who need the financing, as well as parents is very available for anyone who has a need for such funding and it would be a good idea to look at all the options available in order to compare interest rates, fees, and more as these student loans will be around for a while after college as some loans will begin the payment schedule immediately during college like the Parent PLUS. Other repayment schedules will begin after 6 months for Stafford loans and 9 months for Perkins. So it would be a good idea to get all this information first hand before making any quick decisions about your college student loans.

By: S. Michael Windsor

Uncertified Private Student Loans – Requirements and Advantages

All of the related expenses for obtaining a higher education can catch a family off guard if financial preparations were not made in advance. Some students apply themselves early and make grades throughout high school that makes them eligible for a full scholarship, often to the college or university of their choice.

For students who do not have the benefit of a full scholarship, their parents will have to find alternative methods for paying for their college expenses over the next four years. Uncertified private student loans are one way that this is accomplished.

Certified versus Uncertified Private Student Loans

Before applying for any type of college loan, it is best to have a clear understanding of the type of loan you or your child will receive. In general, private student loans are necessary when the standard financial aid such as Pell grants and Stafford loans are not enough to cover education related expenses. These expenses may include tuition, books, computers, and dorm fees.

Both certified and uncertified loans can be used for these expenses. However, the primary difference between the two is that the certified loan requires that the institution where the student will attend verify the amount before funds are disbursed. The amount borrowed cannot exceed the total cost of attendance, minus other financial aid that the student receives.

Uncertified private student loans do not require certification from the institution regarding the amount borrowed. Schools generally will not certify loans that are in excess of the total cost of attendance.

Additionally, uncertified college loans are disbursed to the student or person borrowing the funds. As with any loan, it is best to borrow only the needed amount because all funds must be repaid after graduation.

Although uncertified loans have fewer restrictions, a student may need a cosigner before the loan is approved. The borrower’s credit score and creditworthiness determines whether or not this type of loan is granted.

Advantages of Uncertified Private Student Loans

There are a few advantages to getting an uncertified private student loan to help pay for college expenses. The procedures for applying are simplified. The terms of the loan is relaxed with competitive interest rates. The borrowing limits are higher for private student loans than they are for federally guaranteed student loans. As with federal loans, private loans may also be deferred while the student is enrolled in school.

By: Louis Z.

Consolidate Student Loans, The Advantages