Selecting the most appropriate college loan(s) will help students for their education and avoid an unpleasant experience when repayment becomes due. Failure to comprehend the options, conversely, may well lead to unpleasant surprises and serious financial difficulties.
Two kinds of loans are available to studentssubsidized and unsubsidized.
Subsidized student loans are limited to students who demonstrate financial need: students whose incomes are not sufficient to meet college costs. There is a fixed limit on the subsidized loan money students may borrow, but the government pays the interest on such loans while students are enrolled in college and during the first six months thereafter.
Unsubsidized loans are available to all students, regardless of financial need, and are available in far larger amounts. But, students, not the federal government, assume responsibility for the interest payments.
Generally, students who qualify for unsubsidized loans need the maximum they are allowed to borrow. If they require additional funds, unsubsidized loans are also available to them.
Students can apply for the Perkins Loan or the Stafford Loan. Payment on each begins after a student has graduated or has been away from college for six months. This six month “grace period” may be extended at the discretion of the individual lenders.
Parents may also take out PLUS loans for their sons or daughter. PLUS loans offer fairly low interest rates, but require repayment to begin within 30 days.
Even bankruptcy does not free students of the obligation to repay student loans. Lenders will virtually always work with people making a sincere effort to repay their loans, but those who attempt to evade their responsibilities and obligations are subject to wage garnishment and other serious penalties.
Students and their families should not fear student loans. They are a great way to help people get the education they need to have a meaningful career and earn far more than they would with only a high school diploma. But, it pays to shop for and fully understand your options and to avoid borrowing more tahn you really need.
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