Going to college is expensive for many students, and most look for ways to fund their education through scholarships or student loans. However, choosing the right student loan can be daunting, especially for prospective students.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of student loans available and the factors to consider when selecting the best student loans for college prospective students.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are funds that students borrow from lenders to pay for their education expenses, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other fees.
These loans come with an interest rate, which borrowers must repay after graduation.
Types Of Student Loans
There are two main types of student loans: federal and private loans.
Federal loans are provided by the federal government, while private loans are provided by banks and other private lenders.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Loan
When choosing a student loan, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Interest rates: This determines how much you’ll pay in addition to the principal amount of the loan. Federal loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans. Federal loan interest rates are fixed, meaning they don’t change over time. Private loan interest rates may be fixed or variable, meaning they can change over time based on market conditions.
- Loan terms: This refers to the length of time you have to repay the loan. Federal loans typically have longer repayment terms than private loans, making monthly payments more manageable. However, longer repayment terms mean you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
- Repayment options: Federal loans offer several repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans, which adjust your monthly payments based on income. Private loans may offer fewer repayment options, and they may not offer income-driven repayment plans.
- Borrower benefits: Federal loans offer several borrower benefits, including loan forgiveness options, deferment, and forbearance options, and the ability to switch repayment plans. Private loans may offer some borrower benefits, but they vary by lender.
- Eligibility requirements: Federal loans do not require a credit check or a co-signer, making them more accessible to students who may not have a credit history or a co-signer. Private loans may require a credit check and a co-signer, and eligibility requirements vary by lender.
It’s important to compare loan options from multiple lenders and to research each lender’s reputation and customer service before deciding.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are backed by the federal government and offer various benefits such as low-interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and loan forgiveness options. In addition, these loans are usually a better option for students as they come with more borrower protections.
There are several types of federal student loans, such as:
- Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate students with financial needs. The government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school, during the six-month grace period after graduation, and specific periods of deferment.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Unlike subsidized loans, interest accrues on the loan while the student is in school and during deferment periods. The interest may be paid while the student is in school or allowed to accumulate and be added to the loan’s principal balance.
- Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are available to graduate and professional students, as well as parents of dependent undergraduate students. They require a credit check and have higher interest rates than subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The interest begins accruing once the loan is disbursed, and there is no grace period. In addition, borrowers may have to pay an origination fee, which is a percentage of the loan amount.
Eligibility For Federal Loans
To be eligible for federal student loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating financial need.
Benefits Of Federal Loans
Federal loans have several benefits, including fixed interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and loan forgiveness options. Additionally, federal loans do not require a credit check or a co-signer, making them a more accessible option for many students.
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are provided by banks and other private lenders and offer higher loan limits than federal loans. However, these loans come with higher interest rates and fewer borrower protections.
You should only consider private student loans when you’ve maximized the amount you can borrow from the federal government.
Eligibility For Private Loans
To be eligible for private student loans, students must meet certain criteria, including having a good credit score or being a co-signer. The credit score required is usually 670 or higher making it difficult for students without a credit history to qualify immediately. If you get a co-signer, they must also meet credit score requirements.
Some private institutions may offer student loans without a co-signer, but they’d look at other criteria like school performance to pre-qualify eligibility.
Benefits Of Private Loans
Private student loans offer higher loan limits, which can benefit students attending schools with high tuition fees. Additionally, some private lenders offer borrower benefits such as interest rate discounts.
Federal vs. Private Student Loans
Federal loans are usually better for most students as they offer more borrower protections and lower interest rates. However, private loans can be a better option in some cases, such as when students need to borrow more than the federal loan limits.
If you want to apply for a student loan and don’t know how, visit our guide on how to apply for a student loan to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Some of the best student loans include federal loans like Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and private loans from lenders such as Sallie Mae, College Ave, and Earnest.
Federal loans typically have lower interest rates, more borrower protections, and flexible repayment plans compared to private loans, but private loans might be necessary if federal loans don’t cover all costs.
To apply for a federal student loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Conclusion
Choosing the best student loans for college requires careful consideration of the different types of loans available, their eligibility requirements, and borrower benefits. Federal loans are the better option due to their low-interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and more precise application requirements.
However, private loans can be a viable alternative for some students or those who’ve maxed out the amount they can borrow.
Want to apply for student loan forgiveness but don’t know how to? Visit our guide about requirements for student loan forgiveness to learn more.
Another way to afford college is with the Pell Grant. Learn about the Pell Grant in our blog.
