| |
Understanding
student loan fixed interest rate
What Students and Parents MUST Know about Student LoansA student loan helps you get through college. Then you come out into a high-paying career. It's a great investment in your (or your sons/daughters) future.
Student loans generally give you a good deal. You get below-market interest rates, and you get a $2500 federal tax credit on interest paid over any period of time (previously first 60 months only)
It doesn't matter if the student, or parent takes out the loan; tax deduction remains the same.
* Did you know the federal government has a $50 billion student loan program ?
Not surprisingly, the federal government provides the largest percentage of student loans. Other student loans may come direct from colleges, private lenders or state governments.
One of the key advantages to a federal guaranteed loan is exactly that - it's guaranteed. That means you don't need collateral. It also means the terms are kinder than a typical lender might offer. Of course, your educational program has to be approved by the government.
Types of student loans
* Federal Stafford Loan - for undergraduate or graduate students
A popular and cost-effective source of a student loan. Stafford loans provide low-interest, government guaranteed funds.
Stafford Loans come in two types, subsidized or unsubsidized. Whether or not you're eligible for subsidized depends on household income. The school ought to advise on this.
For subsidized, the government covers the interest right up to start of repayment i.e. they pay interest incurred during the course, in deferment and during the grace period before repayment begins. If you qualify for subsidized, it's a great deal
For unsubsidized, the student must pay all interest incurred at all times, though they don't start repaying until after grace period.
* Federal PLUS Loan - for parents of undergraduates
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) allows parents to take a loan on their Childs behalf. They can contribute to their Childs future, and get a great low- interest loan with continuing future tax relief.
PLUS actually allows parents to borrow the total cost of their child's education, minus any grants or other financial aid awarded. All tuition fees, meals, books, transport etc. can be included in the loan.
This really is a great deal, and has no income or asset requirements. Even poor credit history may be overcome. Repayment is flexible, and can include zero payments for up to 4 years.
Only one drawback to the Federal Stafford and Federal Plus loan - your school must be approved to participate in these programs. If your school isn't approved, then you've got some other options...
* Banks
Many banks offer unsubsidized Stafford loans. You still get the money, which you must have to attend college, but repayment options are more limited. Some deals offer you an interest rate reduction if you make payments on time.
* State Loans
Most states offer guaranteed student loans. Apply direct to Banks, who'll administer the State program. It's usually a more expensive way to borrow than Stafford.
* College Board Extra Credit Loan
Administered by your college. Can be expensive, and best used only in an emergency e.g. your aid is withdrawn.
* Other Loan Sources
A number of other sources may be worth trying if you get a problem with your first choice lenders. Academic Management Services affiliates with approx. 2000 schools. AMS pay your tuition fees if you repay them in less than a year. College Resource Center also has loans available.
If your parent served in the military, then a military loan should be investigated.
College can be the experience of a lifetime. A child starts college as a high school kid, and emerges a full grown adult with high-earning potential
But he or she needs money to survive and thrive in college. This article looked at the main sources of student loan funding, and those sources should be ideal for most students and their parents.
John Williams
The right Student Loan makes all the difference to a successful college career. Discover important information on choosing the right student loan, and guaranteeing your future success. Click ==> http://studentloans.college--loans.com/
More Useful Resource and Updates on student loan fixed interest rate
- How to Pay for an MBA (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! News)
Lindsey Aponte, a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, made all the right moves when it came to preparing her finances before entering the MBA program.
- The Coming College Bubble? (Forbes)
America's undercapitalized independent schools could be the next industry to pop.
- Another Student Loan Company Settles With New York (New York Times)
Goal Financial, which offered iPods, spa gift cards and other items to lure borrowers, will adopt a marketing code of conduct and pay $350,000 to a financial aid fund.
- Biz briefs: Local bank launches new online financial calculators (The Huntington Herald-Dispatch)
BARBOURSVILLE -- The First State Bank announces the launch of its new online financial calculators.
- Watch List (Nov. 2-8): The List No One Wants To Be On (CoStar Group)
In this week?s issue: The list no one wants to be on: Largest 20 problem loans. Prudential Real Estate sees prolonged down cycle coming. Southern Cal landlord misses required principal repayment. DBSI hit with $2 billion securities fraud lawsuit....
- State report faults Iowa Student Loan work (The Des Moines Register)
The nonprofit?s business practices will be discussed Tuesday by a Legislature oversight committee.
- Students flee country to escape loan debt (Daily Vidette)
With college tuition higher than ever, students in some extreme cases have fled the country amid mounting debt from student loans. "We understand that students are now taking on more debt than they ever have before," Bridget Curl, associate director of program administration and compliance in the Financial Aid office at ISU, said.
- Election letters (Nevada Appeal)
McCain's strategy is dishonest
- Live Web Chat (Washington Post)
The stock market volatility got you and your portfolio down?
|
|
|