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Although many people have achieved the dream of completing their college education, many of them face an unfortunate downside following graduation: paying back the inevitable student loan.
Too often it is not just one loan looming over students, many of whom have yet to settle into the sometimes overwhelming realities of the workforce and daily life.
NextStudent, one of the nation's premier education funding companies, can be the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel by helping students consolidate their multiple federal loans. From Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans to PLUS Loans and HPSL Loans, NextStudent's Federal Student Loan Consolidation Program equals convenience.
"Although the 2.77 percent interest rate on federal loans was at an all-time low between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2005, the lowest the rates ever had hit in history, now is still a good time to consolidate," said Andrew Ernstrom, education finance adviser at Phoenix-based NextStudent.
Currently the interest rate is in the 5 percent range and is expected to again increase in July 2006. The cap on the program is 8.25 percent, but projections for the next increase are between one or two points.
"Everyone knew the rates were going up about 2 percent this past July 1," Ernstrom said. "So there was a mad dash nationwide to get everyone's loans consolidated," which allowed borrowers to take their variable rate loans and then lock them into a fixed rate.
Historically during the past 40 years interest rates averaged closer to 7 percent.
An important aspect of consolidation includes the six-month grace period. "Make sure to consolidate while you're in the six-month grace period because you get a cheaper interest rate," he said. The rate increases .6 percent when the grace period ends.
Students have been gung-ho about federal loan consolidation. "The only reason people wouldn't consolidate is because they don't think the rates will go up, but all the trends out there say they will, so it makes sense to do it now," Ernstrom said. The interest rates for student loans are set up off of the 91-day Treasury bill. Since May 30 when the rate was reset, the rate increased about .92 percent. "If the rates were reset today, everyone's rates would be .92 percent higher. And by next July who knows how high it could go," he said.
NextStudent's Federal Student Loan Consolidation Program extends loan payments up to 30 years, depending on a borrower's balance. As many people originally take out loans on a 10-year repayment plan, consolidation offers the same interest rate on the same amount of money but at a longer term, making the payment much more affordable. There are no prepayment penalties for the program, so borrowers can pay off loans at their own pace and have the benefit of a longer term if needed. Consolidation can decrease some payments up to 60 percent.
Even if students already have consolidated, NextStudent can help further lower their interest rate with reconsolidation, which allows borrowers to reset their forbearance and deferment rights, take advantage of new industry discounts and also can lower their payment.
"In the past students who had consolidated did not have the opportunity to consolidate again unless they took out new student loans," said Katie Carpenter, education finance manager at NextStudent. "In the past few months the Department of Education has allowed all previously consolidated loans to be reconsolidated," she added.
In turn, consolidation is the answer not only for students paying back their loans but for lenders. According to the Oct. 23, 2005 article titled "College loan plan raises questions" at NCTimes.com (North County Times) by J. Stryker Meyer, "A General Accounting Office report noted that people who consolidate their loans are three times less likely to default on their student loans."
NextStudent believes that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and it is dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. Learn more about Student Loan Consolidation.
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Is this the price you have to pay for higher education, or can you avoid college debt in the first place?
Because most college students are using loans to finance their college education, the debt level of recent graduates is rising rapidly. On average, students graduate owing $12,000-$16,000 in student loans and another $2,000 in credit card debt. Is this the price you have to pay for higher education, or can you avoid college debt in the first place?
The secret to avoiding college debt is to plan wisely and take advantage of the many opportunities to reduce college costs before and during your college years.
Planning ahead
You can avoid college debt by making wise high school decisions:
Take advanced placement classes
Take all the advanced placement classes you can in high school--every AP exam you pass means one less class you need to take in college.
Keep your grades up
Scholarships can be competitive, and even the grades you make early in your high school years can mean the difference in winning or losing. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can save the hard work for your junior and senior years!
Stay involved
Scholarships also may depend on community and school involvement.
Search for scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants are the best money source for college because it is money that doesn't have to be repaid. To find out about grants and scholarships, visit your high school career counselor and the Financial Aid Office of your intended college. You can also search the internet for scholarships and grants.
Investigate public service options
The United States Military, National Health Service Corps, and Americorps will give you money for your education in exchange for your signing up for a "tour of duty." The time commitment ranges from 10-12 months to 8 years.
Living wisely
The chances to make wise decisions and avoid debt continue into your college years.
Start out in a community college
Most towns and cities have two-year community colleges where you can take your basic courses at less cost than at a four-year college or university. Just investigate to make sure your community college credits will transfer.
Take advantage of Work-Study programs
If you qualify for the federal work-study program, take advantage of it! You will have an on-campus job, possibly in your field of study.
Or work for the school
Many colleges give discounted or free tuition to employees and their family members. There are lots of non-teaching jobs on campus that you can apply for.
Live frugally
Live at home or get a roommate. Avoid expensive spring break trips. Buy used textbooks, and sell your books at the end of the semester.
I already have a loan. Now what?
If you have a federal student loan, it is possible to have your loan debt discharged (canceled) or reduced, under certain specific circumstances:
* You die or become totally and permanently disabled
* Your school closed before you could complete your program
* You work in certain designated public school service professions (such as teaching in a low-income school)
* You file for bankruptcy (only if the bankruptcy court rules that repayment would cause undue hardship.)
As you can see, there are many steps to avoiding or relieving college debt. To best manage your debt it is wise to implement a combination of the strategies listed above that work best for you.
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3:47 PM
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If savings, grants, scholarships, and federal loans don’t cover the cost of your education, it’s time to turn to private loans. But young college students can’t qualify for a private loan, can they? Wrong! This article addresses this and other myths about student loans that you may run into.
At least 20% of college students need some type of loan to help pay for their college education. Such a statistic can lead to students graduating with an unmanageable debt load. An alternative is for parents to help out by taking out loans themselves. But which is the better option - student loans or parent loans? Each has distinct advantages and uses.
Federal student loans
Federal student loans have the lowest interest rates and best repayment options. If you need to take out loans and you qualify for federal loans, this is your best choice. Just be sure to accept only the funds you need, even if you are offered much more. Parents can always help their children pay off these loans once repayment begins after graduation.
Federal parent loans
PLUS Loans ( Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) are another loan option that comes with low interest rates. If you are a parent with dependent students attending college at least part-time and you have a good credit history, you are eligible to receive a PLUS Loan. These loans are not needs-based. You can borrow up to the total cost of undergraduate education expenses, minus other financial aid already received. Unlike federal student loans, payment is not deferred until after graduation; instead, your first loan payment will be due about 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Also unlike federal student loans, PLUS Loans require an application fee.
Private loans
Both students and parents can take out private loans to cover funding gaps. Terms are basically the same for these loans, although students may be able to have their repayment deferred until after graduation. Another consideration is that students may wish to take out small loans to begin to establish a credit history. You may need to cosign for private student loans.
Other options
Parents do have some additional options for college funding, such as home equity loans. These often have rates as good as private loans.
So which type of loan should I get?
This really comes down to a personal decision. Ask yourself these questions as you are trying to decide:
* What level of debt do you feel is manageable for your child to graduate with?
* How important is it to you that your child takes responsibility for paying student loans?
* Will you and your child work out a repayment plan to repay PLUS Loans and other parent loans?
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Which is the better option - student loans or parent loans? Each has distinct advantages and uses, learn about them here!
Parent Loans or Student Loans - what is going to be best for my child?
At least 20% of college students need some type of loan to help pay for their college education. Such a statistic can lead to students graduating with an unmanageable debt load. An alternative is for parents to help out by taking out loans themselves. But which is the better option - student loans or parent loans? Each has distinct advantages and uses.
Federal student loans
Federal student loans have the lowest interest rates and best repayment options. If you need to take out loans and you qualify for federal loans, this is your best choice. Just be sure to accept only the funds you need, even if you are offered much more. Parents can always help their children pay off these loans once repayment begins after graduation.
Federal parent loans
PLUS Loans ( Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) are another loan option that comes with low interest rates. If you are a parent with dependent students attending college at least part-time and you have a good credit history, you are eligible to receive a PLUS Loan. These loans are not needs-based. You can borrow up to the total cost of undergraduate education expenses, minus other financial aid already received. Unlike federal student loans, payment is not deferred until after graduation; instead, your first loan payment will be due about 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Also unlike federal student loans, PLUS Loans require an application fee.
Private loans
Both students and parents can take out private loans to cover funding gaps. Terms are basically the same for these loans, although students may be able to have their repayment deferred until after graduation. Another consideration is that students may wish to take out small loans to begin to establish a credit history. You may need to cosign for private student loans.
Other options
Parents do have some additional options for college funding, such as home equity loans. These often have rates as good as private loans.
So which type of loan should I get?
This really comes down to a personal decision. Ask yourself these questions as you are trying to decide:
* What level of debt do you feel is manageable for your child to graduate with?
* How important is it to you that your child takes responsibility for paying student loans?
* Will you and your child work out a repayment plan to repay PLUS Loans and other parent loans?
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3:43 PM
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You need some more money for college expenses this semester. Do you whip out a credit card to pay for your books or do you apply for a federal or private loan? Well consider the options
* With a federal loan, your interest rate will be low (around 5%) and your payments will be deferred until 6-9 months after graduation.
* With a private loan, the interest rate will be slightly higher than with a federal loan but will still be lower than average. In addition, you will only need to make interest payments until after graduation.
* With a credit card, on the other hand, the interest rate can be as high as 21%. Interest begins accruing almost immediately, and you need to begin paying off the bill the next month.
This is not to say that credit cards do not have a place in your college life. It is good to have one national card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) on hand to help you build a positive credit history and to provide security in emergencies. When you decide to apply for a card, compare annual fees, interest rates, and introductory offers. And to keep yourself out of debt, try to-
* Pay your balance each month to avoid interest charges
* Pay your bill on time to avoid late charges
* Avoid cash advances, which come with large finance charges and interest that begins accruing immediately.
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Posted by
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3:41 PM
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If you are thinking about using loan consolidation to possibly lower your monthly student loan payments, then now is the time to start consolidating and lowering those payments. Never in recent history have the interest rates on student loan consolidations been quite as low as they are these days. What does that mean for you? Quite simply, you will be receiving the best available deals for debt consolidation when you choose to consolidate your student loans now and here. Whether you have just a small amount of student loan debt or a very large amount, consolidation can start helping you to lower your monthly payments NOW if you get started on it right away.
Start on the 'Net
Where is the best place to turn when looking to receive consolidation on your student loans quickly and easily? A good place to start might be the Internet. Research exactly what student loan consolidations can do for your financial status. Secondly, visit a web site like NextStudent.com, where you can learn about the latest trends in debt consolidation for student loans. Additionally, you can contact their financial advisors, who will walk you through the debt consolidation process and make sure that you save as much money as possible paying back your student loans.
Now in the Time
Once you have started the process, you can sit back and know that student loan consolidation is saving you hundreds of dollars a year on repaying your student loans. While the process is not complex, it is important for you to work with a trusted name when using debt consolidation. Some companies will simply rip you off and end up costing you more money than they save. You may be at a disadvantage with your debt hanging over your head, but that does not mean that you cannot receive a great deal through consolidation! Consolidate NOW and start saving with the ultra-low consolidation interest rates out there these days. You will thank yourself in a few years.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about College Loan Consolidation.
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3:38 PM
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College savings plans could be the best way to help fund your childs education. Learn more about the College 529 savings plan here.
Student loans are better than credit cards
You need some more money for college expenses this semester. Do you whip out a credit card to pay for your books, or do you apply for a federal or private loan? Well, consider the options -
* With a federal loan, your interest rate will be low (around 5%) and your payments will be deferred until 6-9 months after graduation.
* With a private loan, the interest rate will be slightly higher than with a federal loan but will still be lower than average. In addition, you will only need to make interest payments until after graduation.
* With a credit card, on the other hand, the interest rate can be as high as 21%. Interest begins accruing almost immediately, and you need to begin paying off the bill the next month.
This is not to say that credit cards do not have a place in your college life. It is good to have one national card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) on hand to help you build a positive credit history and to provide security in emergencies. When you decide to apply for a card, compare annual fees, interest rates, and introductory offers. And to keep yourself out of debt, try to-
* Pay your balance each month to avoid interest charges
* Pay your bill on time to avoid late charges
* Avoid cash advances, which come with large finance charges and interest that begins accruing immediately.
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Posted by
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3:37 PM
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Student loans are a great source of financial aid for students who need help paying for their education. Unfortunately, students often leave college with burdensome debt. In addition, they often have multiple loans from different lenders, meaning they are writing more than one loan repayment check each month. The solution to this problem is loan consolidation.
What is loan consolidation?
Loan consolidation means bundling all your student loans into a single loan with one lender and one repayment plan. You can think of loan consolidation as akin to refinancing a home mortgage. When you consolidate your student loans, the balances of your existing student loans are paid off, with the total balance rolling over into one consolidated loan. The end result is that you have only one student loan to pay on.
Both students and their parents can consolidate loans.
Should I consolidate my loans?
Loan consolidation offers many benefits:
* Locks in a fixed, usually lower, interest rate for the term of your loan, potentially saving you thousands of dollars (depending on the interest rates of your original loans)
* Lowers your monthly payment
* Combines your student loan payments into one monthly bill
In addition, consolidated loans have flexible repayment options and no fees, charges, or prepayment penalties. There are also no credit checks or co-signers required.
You should consider consolidating your loans if the consolidation loan would have a lower interest rate than your current loans, particularly if you are having trouble making you monthly payments. However, if you are close to paying off your existing loans, consolidation may not be worth it.
How will the interest rate for the consolidated loan be?
The interest rate for your consolidated loan is calculated by averaging the interest rate of all the loans being consolidated and then rounding up to the next one-eighth of one percent. The maximum interest rate is 8.25 percent.
To figure your interest rate, visit loanconsolidation.ed.gov for an online calculator that will do the math for you.
How much can I save?
How much you save by consolidating loans depends on what interest rate you get and whether you choose to extend your repayment plan. According to Sallie Mae, the leading provider of student loans in the United States, consolidating student loans can reduce monthly payments by up to 54 percent. However, the only way to reduce your payment this much is to extend your repayment plan. You typically have 10 years to repay student loans, but, depending on the amount you're consolidating, you can extend your repayment plan all the way up to 30 years. Remember that if you choose to extend your repayment term, it will take longer to pay off your overall debt and you'll pay more in interest. There are no preypayment penalties, so you can always choose to pay off the loan early.
Am I eligible to consolidate my loans?
In order to consolidate your loans, you must meet the following criteria:
* You are in your six-month grace period following graduation or you have started repaying your loans
* You have eligible loans totaling over $7,500
* You have more than one lender
* You have not already consolidated your student loans, or since consolidation you have gone back to school and acquired new student loans
The following types of loans can be consolidated:
* Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
* Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
* Direct PLUS Loans and Federal PLUS Loans
* Direct Consolidation Loans and Federal Consolidation Loans
* Guaranteed Student Loans
* Federal Insured Student Loans
* Federal Supplemental Loans for Students
* Auxiliary Loans to Assist Students
* Federal Perkins Loans
* National Direct Student Loans
* National Defense Student Loans
* Health Education Assistance Loans
* Health Professions Student Loans
* Loans for Disadvantaged Students
* Nursing Student Loans
Where can I get a consolidation loan?
You can consolidate your loans through any bank or credit union that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program, or directly from the U.S. Department of Education. The loan terms and conditions are generally the same, regardless of where you consolidate. You may want to check first with the lenders that hold your current loans.
If all your loans are with one lender, you must consolidate with that lender.
If you decide to consolidate your student loans, remember that you can only do so once unless you go back to school and take out more loans. Therefore, you will want to make sure you get the best deal the first time. The interest rate will be the same from all lenders, but some lenders may offer future rate discounts for prompt payment and a discount for having monthly payments directly debited from your account.
Can my spouse and I consolidate our loans together?
You can consolidate your loans together, but it is not a good idea for a couple reasons:
* Both of you will always be responsible to repay the loan, even if you later separate or divorce
* If you need to defer payment on the loan, both of you will have to meet the deferment criteria
When should I consolidate my loans?
You can consolidate your loans any time during your six-month grace period or after you have started repaying your loans. If you consolidate during your grace period, you may be able to get a lower interest rate. However, since you will lose the rest of the grace period, it is a good idea to wait until the fifth month of the grace period before consolidating. The consolidation process usually takes 30-45 days.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Student Loan Consolidation.
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Posted by
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3:35 PM
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You have gotten all the grants and scholarships you can, but you still need money for your education. It’s time to look at loans. But which is better – federal loans or private loans?
College Savings Plans - are they the best choice for my child?
College Savings Plans, also called Section 529 plans, are one of the best ways to save for college because they offer:
# Tax advantages
# A variety of investment options
# Flexible contribution options
# Parental control
# Little impact on eligibility for need-based financial aid
Tax advantages
Investments in 529 plans are usually exempt from federal taxes. Earnings are tax-deferred and are not subject to capital gains taxes. Redemptions are also exempt from federal income tax if they are used to pay for tuition, room and board, fees, books, supplies, or equipment.
Most states also offer tax advantages, at least if you enroll in the plan for your own state. In addition, contributions may be deductible on your state income tax.
In addition to these income tax benefits, College Savings plans can be a valuable estate planning tool. The accelerated gift option allows you to average gifts over $11,000 per beneficiary over a five year period with no federal gift tax. This means you can contribute up to $55,000 per beneficiary in one year with no gift tax. Contributions are immediately removed from the donor's gross taxable estate (and included in the estate of the beneficiary).
Investment options
Most states offer three or more investment options ranging from conservative to aggressive. One is usually an age-based portfolio that invests mainly in stocks while a child is young, then shifts to bonds and money-market funds as college years come closer. 529 plans are managed by experienced investment companies, such as Vanguard, Fidelity, and TIAA-CREF.
Contribution options
Anyone can contribute money on behalf of a beneficiary, allowing friends and relatives to give the gift of education. In addition, the minimum investment amount required to open an account is usually lower than mutual funds require, making section 529 plans affordable for lower income families.
States set their own contribution limits for college savings plans. Most states base their limit on an estimate of the amount of money needed for seven years of post-secondary education. Limits range from $146,000 to $305,000.
In addition, most states allow you to regularly transfer funds from your checking or savings account to your 529 plans. Some states even let you set up payroll deductions.
Parental control
The money in a College Savings Plan is controlled by the account owner, not the child. So if the child decides to not go to college, they do not have access to the funds. Instead, the account owner can get his or her money back (with income taxes and a 10% penalty owed on earnings) or transfer the funds to another family member.
Impact on eligibility for need-based financial aid
College savings plans have a low impact on financial aid eligibility because they are considered an asset of the account owner (usually the parent), rather than the student.
Choosing a plan
Most states have their own College Savings Plans, but you do not have to enroll in the plan in your state. Look first at the plans in your own state, especially if they offer tax advantages. Other factors to consider as you compare state plans are expenses and investing options.
Prepaid tuition plans
Another type of Section 529 plan are the prepaid tuition plans. Prepaid tuition plans are guaranteed to increase in value at the same rate as college tuition. So, if you purchase shares worth one semester of tuition at a state college, those shares will always be worth one semester of tuition, even 10 years later when tuition rates have doubled. These plans offer basically the same tax and contribution benefits as College Saving plans, and they are guaranteed by the government. However, because prepaid tuition plans are considered a resource, they reduce need-based financial aid dollar for dollar. Therefore, families that expect to qualify for need-based financial aid should avoid prepaid tuition plans and invest in college savings plans instead. Another alternative is to roll prepaid tuition plan funds over into the state's 529 college savings plan before college begins.
There are many advantages to college savings plans; however, there are many ways a parent can help a student pay for a college education. Make sure to research as many avenues as possible to make the most informed decision on how to pay for school, and you could end up with the optimal college funding solution.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible.
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Posted by
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3:33 PM
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College life teaches you how to stretch a dollar, how to make a pizza cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and how to get the most out of your money. That said, when your college education is over and achieved, the student loans following it should not last a lifetime and follow you throughout your career!
Consider Consolidating Your Loans and Save
Rather than lug around student loans for years to come, why not consolidate all your different student loans into one private loan consolidation that makes it easy for you to pay off your student loans with just one low monthly payment every month. Six months after you graduate, you can be sure that creditors will be banging down your door, looking for your first payment towards your student loans. Whether you borrowed from a bank, the government, or through some other private means, student loans add up quickly. A private loan consolidation allows you to take all of your student loans and throw them into one general debt - this way, you can make payments towards that debt and only have to deal with one private company, instead of 2, 3, 4, or 5 loan firms and/or creditors.
Where To Find A Consolidation Loan
Best of all, there are a plethora of companies out there willing to give you a private loan consolidation. They will analyze your student loans, see where the loans came from and what interest percentages the loans carry, and then they will get on the project immediately, possibly saving you hundreds, even thousands of dollars over the next few years! Stop paying money out to creditors who are holding you hostage with their high-interest fees. Obtain a private loan consolidation today from a company that can help you to save money and eliminate your loans quickly as well. Research on the internet or speak with a financial advisor today and find the private loan consolidation that will put all your debt into one small easy and convenient package - which can disappear before you hit mid-life!
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about how to get Private Loan Consolidation.
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Posted by
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3:31 PM
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A no-cost student loan consolidation – doesn’t that just sound too good to be true? Think about it. You have just accrued thousands of dollars in debt through student loans after 4 years of college, or possibly even more. Then, a company offers to take all of your loans off of your hands, put them into one central loan, and do it all for free! Well, while it might not be too good to be true, it all depends around your particular situation, which could make this a “free” process, or could still work out to the benefit of the consolidation company that you are working with throughout the process.
How A Student Loan Consolidation Works
Here is how the student loan consolidation works. You have used up thousands of dollars in student loans to pay your way through college, obtain housing throughout college, and pay for other odds-and-ends while attending college. A student loan consolidation then takes all these different loans, pays for each of them, at which time you then pay the student loan consolidation company for the total amount of loans taken out during college.
Example of Student Loan Consolidation
If you were to have outstanding loans of $5000 to one company, $6000 to another, and $9000 to a third, the student loan consolidation allows you to owe $20000 to one company, rather than to three. This can save you money in the long run, as these companies also may be able to offer you a competitive interest rate, which means you will be paying less overall for your student loans in a shorter amount of time and to only one company.
Potential Student Loan Consolidation Problems
Problems can occur with student loan consolidations if you catch a deal that does not work out favorably to your situation. For instance, if you choose a no-cost student loan consolidation that does not offer you a low interest rate, you could actually end up paying them more than you originally would have! It is important that you choose a company not for their "no-cost" approach, but for their willingness to get your student loans paid off with a consolidation that promotes a quick pay-off with minimal interest rates.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about how to get No-Cost Student Loan Consolidation.
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Posted by
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3:30 PM
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A PLUS Loan can be your ticket into college, but it really has more to do with your parents than it has to do with you. What exactly are PLUS Loans? Well, basically, a PLUS Loan is a loan that must be obtained by your parents in order to pay off your educational tuition. If you are a dependent of your parents and a future undergraduate student at any college or university within the country, a Federal PLUS Loan might be the right choice for your family. Additionally, your parent’s credit history must be in good standing in order to receive a PLUS Loan for you.
Why A PLUS Loan Works
Why should you choose a PLUS Loan when going into college though? Aren't there better options for you? Often times, college students have little to no credit history, and they themselves cannot afford to put a loan onto their credit history. Scholarships can only take most students so far, and parents/students usually cannot bring in enough income to pay off a college tuition, especially at most private universities. When this becomes the case, a PLUS Loan offers the best alternative to the student taking out a loan, as parents can use their established credit to help students through college without a hitch.
Supplementing Your Aid
The best part about a Federal PLUS Loan though is the fact that it helps you to cover any expenses at school that are not already being covered, For instance, if your yearly tuition at school is $10,000, and you receive $5000 a year through some other source of financial aid, a PLUS Loan enables you to pay the other $5000 without worry. Additionally, applying for a PLUS Loan is as simple as filling out your FAFSA form, which can be obtained at your school's financial aid office, and sending it in. PLUS Loans are dispensed directly to your school and leave you with no worries during the school year. If you are thinking of options for paying your way through college, think about applying for a PLUS Loan.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about PLUS Loans.
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Posted by
. :~ ShAh G . :~
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3:29 PM
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Sometimes, when it comes down to your money, it is better off just handling it yourself and putting it into the trusted hands of someone who will make the wisest decisions with it. With that in mind, once you graduate from college, it is very likely that you will be saddled down with student loan debt and any other debt accrued during your college years (i.e. credit card debt). In situations like these, federal consolidation may either not be an option or just might not be the best option for your current needs. When this happens, think about using a private loan consolidation to get you out of dire financial straits. This can still save you money and will allow you to be less tied down by your student loan debt.
Examples of Private Loan Consolidations
An example of private loan consdoliation is a bank or some other financial institution that is willing to take your accrued student loan debt, pay it off for you, and then offer you a lower interest rate as you work to pay them back over a scheduled course of time. It is important to note that not all financial institutions offer these forms of consolidation, so research before you start thinking about private loan consolidations and find the best private loan offers for your specific needs.
Work Out A Plan
Finally, once you have found the right private institution to cover your student loans, work out the right deal for your specific situation. Try to work out a payment plan over the course of a certain number of months/years that is affordable for yourself or your family. Often times, these forms of consolidation will allow you to receive lower interest rates, which, in turn, will allow you to pay less money to achieve debt-free status. As with any consolidation, search around for the deal that is most suitable for your loans. Do not just settle for the first offer that comes your way. You can save hundreds and thousands of dollars per year on student loans through consolidation, so make the situation work for you.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Private Loan Consolidation.
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Have you ever heard the old adage, “There is no time like the present”? Well, if there was ever a time that that advice was very necessary, today is the day, as when it comes to debt consolidation on student loans, today is definitely the day to consolidate. Debt consolidation on your student loans can help you to save hundreds of dollars every year, as it helps to cut down the interest rates that you are currently paying on a variety of different college student loans. By cutting down these interest rates, you pay less money to repay your student loans. And the present just happens to be the best time to complete this process, as consolidation rates are so low that you can save even more money these days by using debt consolidation on your student loans!
Student Loans Are Such A Drag!
Student loans are, quite often, a very painful process for many people. If you did not get the job that you expected out of college, it can be a real burden to pay back these loans for services that you do not feel helped you out. Alternatively, you may be doing your dream job, and giving up money from that job for something that already happened is not always the best feeling in the world. But, regardless of your situation, college loans are just a lingering aftereffect of your past that you would like to eliminate as quickly as possible.
Apply Now For Low Rates
Though it may be hard, the present day rates on debt consolidations can at least bring your bank account some level of joy, as you will not have to repay as much money for your student loans as you might have previously expected! Debt consolidation these days make the process of repaying student loans more painless, and with rates these low, it would be a shame for you to miss out on the opportunity to save yourself some money. Scan the Internet, on web sites like NextStudent and many others, to find the consolidation plan that works best for you and your student loans. But do not delay: there truly is no time like the present!
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more on how to College Loan Consolidation.
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So you have finally got the degree, but were you surprised with what came along with it? A pile of debt and student loans that need to be paid back starting very shortly after college! Whether it is a Federal PLUS Loan or a loan obtained from your local bank, chances are that a college graduation also brings collection agencies to your mailbox, as everyone wants to be paid back for helping to provide you with a college education. But, while you are writing out all these checks to different loan agencies, have you considered and thought consolidation through yet? Better, yet, do you even know what consolidation is?
How Consolidation Works
The consolidation of your student loans can save you hundreds and thousands of dollars in the long run when it comes to your student loan debt. Here is how it works: When you applied for those student loans from different government agencies and loan companies way back when, they each gave you a different interest rate and payment plan for eventually paying them back. Consolidation takes all of these different loans, repackages them into one convenient loan, and then gives you the ability to pay one loan back over time. Therefore, if you owe 5 different companies payments for your student loans and debt, consolidation allows you to now pay just one central company back, thus saving you time and money with a lower interest rate and less checks to write each month.
How Consolidation Helps
Consolidation of your student loans can happen right away, as you can visit different loan companies that offer consolidation after college and start saving money right away. Consolidation combines all of your debt into one neat and tidy bill that can be paid off much easier and in a more timely fashion than other options. Why deal with the baggage of 4 or 5 different loan companies nagging you for money, when you can pay one company off and live without that constant hassle? Check out consolidation today, and save yourself from the headaches of student loan debt.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more on Consolidation of Debt and Student Loans.
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Before entering college, you may find yourself pondering exactly how you will be able to pay for college. Many public colleges and universities cost thousands of dollars, while private colleges and universities can cost $10,000, $20,000, $30,000, or even more just to attend. Before getting too worried about these high prices, it is important to know that help is just a click of the computer mouse away, as the internet can help you to find the financial aid option that is right for you!
FAFSA First
Without knowing any of the options, it is important to first fill out a FAFSA form with your school's financial aid department. The FAFSA form allows you to tell the federal government all of your financial information. Once they have that in hand, they can determine what your best financial aid options are.
Loan Options
One option often used by students entering college is loans. Loans, like the federal PLUS loan, Perkins loan, Stafford loan, and FFEL loan, can all help you to pay your way through college without putting a dime down to do so. You will, of course, be required to pay back some or all of these loans (depending upon your financial status and the financial status of your parents), but loans can be an effective way of paying your way through college.
Grant Options
Another option is grants, which can be obtained through the government (like the Federal Pell Grant, for example) or through your particular school. Grants pay your way through college and do not need to be repaid once you graduate. These grants are usually only "granted" to those who are in need of financial aid, but be sure to apply for them if you think that you are eligible.
Other Financial Aid Options!
Other less conventional methods of financial aid are also available to college students. Federal work study allows students to work at colleges and universities while they are enrolled there for several hours per week. Money earned can then be used as a means of financial aid. Check with your specific college or university for other financial aid options that may exist and be at your disposal.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Financial Aid Options.
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Finding scholarships for college or a major university is a lot like picking an actual college. It is not an easy process or something that just happens overnight, but rather, it takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of research to find the scholarship opportunities that are best for you. On the one hand, you are putting a lot of time, work, and effort into finding a scholarship. But just think about the thousands of dollars that you can save by obtaining a scholarship for college.
Using the Internet To Search
One of the most valuable resources for searching for a scholarship is the Internet. Web sites like NextStudent offer you the chance to sit in front of your computer screen and find hundreds and thousands of college scholarships being offered around the country. When searching for a scholarship, think about your qualities, skills, and high school activities that may place you into a scholarship opportunity. Scholarships come in many shapes and forms, and it is quite likely that you can receive a scholarship for everything from playing a sport to being a member of the computer club at your school. People want to give money for high school students to eventually attend college, so take advantage of these situations.
Seek Guidance
While the Internet and NextStudent offers you the chance to search for scholarships for yourself, not everyone can be a pro at picking out their best qualities and finding matching scholarships. If this is the case with you, do not be afraid to visit your high school's guidance office and ask a counselor for help. Here, he/she can match your specific qualifications up with the right scholarship opportunities. And, when it comes to scholarships, half the battle is just applying and throwing your name into the hat to receive a scholarship. Many others do not take advantage of this opportunity, and they miss out. But that is where you come in to take advantage of the situation. Get out there and search for the right scholarship. College isn't cheap, but scholarships sure do make a difference!
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more on How to Search for Scholarships.
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Do you have good credit that you would like to put towards the further education of your child? Is your child planning on becoming a student at an American college or university? Is your child a dependent and planning on attending this college or university as an undergraduate at least “half-time” during the college or university semester schedule? If these questions apply to you, then a parent PLUS loan just may be the best option for financing the education of your child.
What a PLUS Loan Is
A PLUS loan is basically a loan given out to the parents of dependent children looking to enroll at any college or university. The PLUS loan covers up to any amount that is not already covered by any other form of financial aid. For instance, if your child is going to a university that costs $10,000, and he/she receives $7,000 is financial aid from other sources, a PLUS loan is good for up to $3,000 in this specific instance. No lender is necessary under the pretenses of a PLUS loan, because the U.S. Department of Education works directly with your college or university to distribute the loan application, process the loan application, and eventually distribute the loan funds to the appropriate sources (i.e. the college or university).
How To Obtain a PLUS Loan
Little is required of you to receive a PLUS loan as the parent of a child wishing to take out a loan in order to finance a college education. Simply submit a Direct PLUS loan application and promissory note to the U.S. Department of Education office located within your specific state. All of this information can be obtained through your college or university's financial aid office, and application packets are readily available through the same office. It is also recommended that you fill out a FAFSA form (also available through your school's financial aid department), so that your child may receive the largest amount of financial aid possible.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Parent PLUS Loans.
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While loans are an effective way to pay your way through college, wouldn’t it be nice to have your college education essentially paid for you by the federal government? With a Federal Pell Grant, you can receive the necessary money to attend college without worrying about paying back a loan, because a Pell Grant does not have to be repaid after you finish your college education. Still, it is important to understand that not every college student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant while they are attending college.
Who Is Eligible?
So, how can you find out whether or not you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant before you decide which college to choose? Simply fill out your FAFSA form before entering college, which gives you more information on your eligibility for a variety of college grants and loans. The FAFSA will ask for your own financial information, as well as the financial information of your parents. The U.S. Department of Education then grants you an EFC number, which will indicate whether or not you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Specifics of A Federal Pell Grant
The amount that a Federal Pell Grant can be worth depends heavily upon several factors. For instance, the maximum Federal Pell Grant allotted in 2002-2003 was $4000. This was determined by the funding provided by the federal government into the Federal Pell Grant system. Your specific aid via the Federal Pell Grant depends upon your own EFC number and family financial information, the annual cost to attend your college or university, and whether you are a part-time student or a full-time student. If you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, your college or university will then work with the U.S. Department of Education to either credit your school account, cut you a check, or find another means of aiding you while you aspire to receive your higher education.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Pell Grants.
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Sometimes, financial aid, scholarships, and federal grants and loans are just not enough to help you pay your way through college. Also, sometimes a federal loan is just not what you are looking for, as you must abide by the strict regulations surrounding the loans and must follow specific plans to pay back these loans. In these instances, why not apply for a private education loan through a company that specially tailors a loan just for your specific educational purposes?
What is a Private Education Loan?
A private education loan is often an unsecured and credit-based loan that can be given out to either the potential college student, parents of a potential college student, or some combination of the two. The loans can be used for both tuition and living expenses accrued during a college education process and can help students to make their way through college without the added hassle of working to pay off bills or simply worrying constantly on financial matters. Additionally, with a private education loan, there is no need to wonder where the next financial aid check is coming from or who is going to help you to pay your full tuition this semester. All you need to do is sit down with a financial advisor who specializes in private education loans, explain your situation, and he/she can tailor a private education loan and pay-back loan right before your eyes.
Be Wary of Bad Private Loans
It is important to remember that not all private education loans are beneficial to your specific standing financially. For instance, a private education loan may ensure that you receive the necessary funding for college, but it may also straddle you with high interest fees in return. This can make a loan harder to pay back. But, if you are seriously considering college and a private education loan, speak to a financial advisor who can help you to stay on track with payments, both those coming in to you and those going back to the loan company.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Private Education Loans.
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Let’s face facts. Going to college these days, especially private universities, is no cheap task and can put you well into debt before you even enter the “real world” for yourself. Most people, especially young college students, do not have the tens of thousands of dollars to pony up every year for college tuition either. Therefore, most college students choose to use student loans to put themselves through college, whereby they can pay the tuition without breaking a sweat. However, when it comes time to graduate from college and pay these student loans back, many people do not know where to begin. How about refinancing these loans before you even start anything else?
Advantages of Refinancing
By refinancing your student loans, you can save yourself hundreds, even thousands of dollars before you start repaying your loans, an option that many people fail to use. When you leave college, chances are that you have a variety of loans on the books with an array of different interest rates attached to each one. Refinancing these loans can help you to lower these interest rates, or, at least, bring some of them down, thus lowering your monthly payments and saving YOU money in the end. Even if all of your interest rates cannot be refinanced, chances are that you can save money in some places through refinancing.
Where To Refinance?
But, when it comes to refinancing, where do you turn to find a reliable place to lower your interest rates? The Internet may just be your one-stop-shop for refinancing your student loans from college, as you can search a variety of sites that offer refinancing services to suit your needs. Be careful though. Not every web site offering financial help will actually help you, and non-credible sites may actually just be out to steal a buck from you. Deal with those college student loan web sites that deliver real refinancing results and are properly licensed. Then, sit back and enjoy your money-saving tactics.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more on how you can Refinance Student Loans.
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So you’ve made the decision to go to college? Great! But the decisions are just beginning for you, as in the coming months, you will need to make dozens of decisions concerning your future. While searching for scholarships may be one of those tough decisions, make it a whole lot easier by following these 10 simple things that you will need to do before applying for scholarships.
10 Things You Need Before Searching For A Scholarship
1. Decide which college you will be attending next semester, or whenever you are planning to start. The sooner you know this, the sooner you can find out what scholarship offers that specific college offers for its students.
2. Make a list of the qualities that you think make you a candidate for attending college and receiving a scholarship. A leader? Good at math? Involved in the community? These can all help you to receive a scholarship.
3. Start thinking about a possible major in college. Alternatively, do not be too dead set on a major just yet. Keeping your options open could get you a scholarship!
4. Find a good search engine to help you find a college scholarship. NextStudent is a good example of this.
5. Visit your high school's guidance department to obtain more information about receiving a scholarship.
6. Obtain transcripts for your school that indicate what your current GPA is.
7. Have a family member or friend tell you what they think your best qualities are. Often times, you may not be able to see your own best qualities. These can be used to search for scholarships.
8. Be sure to keep in close contact with your academic advisor. There may be scholarship web sites or scholarship newsletters that can help you to find something that can help you obtain a scholarship.
9. If you really have enough time (high school sophomore or junior), search for scholarships and see what colleges are looking for when offering scholarships. Join clubs and attend conferences to build your resume up and become a more worthy scholarship candidate.
10. Be ready to work! Obtaining scholarships is not easy work, but it does have a big payoff in the end: money for school! Don't expect it to be easy, but be aware of the ends.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn how you can improve your Scholarship Search.
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Getting scholarships for college is not the hard part – but actually going out and finding scholarships that fit your requirements is! For years, high school guidance counselors used to suggest possible scholarships to students or give them large booklets filled with hundreds and thousands of college scholarships. Going through these books and actually finding a scholarship became a task all in and of itself. With the popularity of the internet though, finding a scholarship for college through a search engine has never been easier and has even been made simpler through the usage of specific search engines tailored just for college scholarships!
Starting Your Scholarship Search
The first thing to do before using a search engine to find college scholarships is to make a list of all of the skills or qualities about yourself that might appeal to someone handing out a college scholarship. Are you athletic in some sport that some colleges offer? Do you write poetry that would make Walt Whitman smile? Can you name all of the states in America in alphabetical order in under 2 minutes? Chances are, if you have some talent or skill, someone will be offering a scholarship that could put you into college.
Finding Your Scholarship Matches
Next, go into any search engine and start searching for web sites that offer scholarships. You may be able to find entire sites devoted to finding and searching for scholarships that are tailored around your needs. Try and be fairly specific, as the term "scholarship" is likely to bring up thousands of sites that do not apply to you. If you want a scholarship for those interested in writing, type in something like "creative writing college scholarships." This should at least bring up some more options for you.
Apply For The Scholarships Now!
Finally, start applying for scholarships that you find through a search engine. Sign up for more information from sites that host advertisements for various scholarships. These sites will then e-mail you the latest scholarship opportunities in your field of interest. The scholarships may be out there somewhere for you. Just make sure to turn to your favorite search engine to find out exactly where they are located.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about our Scholarship Search Engine.
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A Stafford Loan, can help to finance your way through a college or university.
Subsidized Stafford Loans
A subsidized Stafford Loan, which you can receive based upon your specific financial aid. When a Stafford loan is subsidized, you are not required to pay any interest on the loan while you attend school. The federal government subsidizes the interest accrued on your account while you attend school and does not charge you interest until you finish school.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
An unsubsidized Stafford Loan, which you do not receive based upon your own specific financial aid. Rather, you can receive this type of loan but must pay interest on the loan even as you are still taking classes and enrolled in school.
Two Different Stafford Loans?
Often time, college and university students find that Stafford loans will be dispensed to them both as subsidized and unsubsidized loans, meaning that part of the loan will be subsidized and part of it will not. As they move through college, this means that they are paying interest on the loans, or simply allowing the interest to build up over time.
How To Consolidate Your Stafford Loans
Stafford loans consolidations can help you to combine the two types of loans after college into one low monthly payment that makes it easier and quicker for you to pay off your college loans. You have the ability to find a loan consolidation company, who will then work with you to take all of your Stafford loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized, and place them into one central loan that can then be paid off over time.
How exactly will this help to save you time and money? For starters, you will only be paying interest on one loan, rather than two, and by consolidating your loans, you can often achieve more favorable interest rates on your debt. In the end, this will allow you to save time, money, and frustration that comes with paying off loans over long periods of time.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Stafford Loan Consolidation.
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3:10 PM
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College is a time filled with important decisions and problems that must be solved in order to ensure your future and positive results at the time of your college graduation. Everything from choosing a college to choosing your roommate to choosing your computer for college can rack your brain and make the decisions that much harder. So, why not let one decision fall squarely on the shoulders of your old standby? Your parents. With the Federal PLUS Loan Program, your parents can help you to obtain loans that will put you through college.
First Steps To Applying
The first thing when thinking about applying for a Federal PLUS Loan is to do some research and understand exactly how a Federal PLUS Loan works. If you are a dependent and a future undergraduate student enrolled, at least, part-time at any college or university, you are eligible for a Federal PLUS Loan, whereby your parents can obtain a loan to help pay for your college expenses. In addition to these requirements, the status of a PLUS loan also depends heavily upon your parents' credit history. If they do not have a good credit history, chances are that your parents will not be approved for a Federal PLUS Loan.
Federal PLUS Loans Are Supplementary
In the event that your parents are approved for the Federal PLUS Loan that they apply for, they will then receive either what they have requested to supplement other loans and scholarships towards your college tuition. Or, the government may decide to only give your parents less than what you have requested due to their credit history. It is important to remember that, although your parents are the ones requesting a loan for your college, you should also seek out other options for paying your student tuition, because PLUS Loans often do not cover the entire tuition. Scholarships and other types of loans are often available for college students. Seek out all possible options before settling on a PLUS loan.
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about The Federal PLUS Loan Program.
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Looking for a way to pay your way through college? The William D. Ford Student Loan is the newest federal financial aid program that was established for college students in 1994. While older student loans for college forced students to apply for loans through private banks, these days students are able to receive direct loans through the U.S. Department of Education, because of the William D. Ford Student Loan Program. These loans are applied for through the FAFSA (Federal Application For Student Aid) and are then distributed directly (if accepted and applied for) to your school to pay for your education.
So Many Decisions!
Following college though, many students are confused as to the payment repayment options concerning direct loans to their college. These totals for loans often total in the thousands of dollars range and must be accounted for. Direct loans can also come from a variety of different federal sources, each of who will want their money back. This makes an option like student loan consolidation almost imperative, as graduated college students can apply to consolidate their federal direct loans. By doing this, they can lower their interest rates on loans and save thousands of dollars per year.
Do Your Research
The William D. Ford Student Loan Consolidation option makes it easy and convenient for former students to repay their loans. All they need to do is simply contact an agency like NextStudent, who will then help them to consolidate their student loans. Federal agencies can also be contacted to follow through with this procedure. Be sure to research consolidation before you start and find your best option. When it comes to saving money through consolidation, it is only possible if you find interest rates that are low and will reduce your monthly payments. The Internet is your best bet for researching the William D. Ford Student Loan Consolidation and finding out more information about saving yourself money in the future. College may be over, but the learning continues!
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Student Loan Consolidation.
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The passing of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 in February brought with it major cuts to the federal student loan program. Along with cuts to other federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps, the student loan program was hit hardest, with a whopping $12 million in cuts.
In addition, legislation instituted and set to take effect on July 1 will negatively impact student loan consolidation, which will prove to be a thorn in the sides of students throughout the country.
NextStudent’s Low Consolidation Rates
Borrowers who currently are in school now can lock in student loan consolidation rates at 4.75 percent, thereby preventing their federal rates from increasing before the July 1 deadline, according to Phoenix-based NextStudent, an education funding company.
NextStudent also offers a 2.5 percent fixed rate, with benefits applied, whereby eligible borrowers can consolidate student loans and reduce their payments by as much as 70 percent.
Locking in now at a low rate is a smart idea for both students and graduates. Along with a lower student loan consolidation rate, borrowers can receive incentives such as one easy monthly payment, no prepayment penalties and a longer payment term.
Consolidate Before July 1 Change
Other stipulations concerning student loan consolidation are important to note, as the July 1 effective date is just a couple months away. Borrowers should be aware of other regulations set to be instituted before rates skyrocket and student loan consolidation becomes more difficult.
Student loan consolidation will retain the single holder rule. If one FFELP lender holds all of a borrower’s loans, that lender has the right to refuse to release the loans to another company. NextStudent’s low 2.5 percent student loan consolidation rate for qualified borrowers may not be offered through various lenders, so it is important to act now before the interest rate increase.
The new legislation will eliminate spousal consolidation, whereas borrowers no longer will have the option to jointly consolidate with their spouse.
In-school student loan consolidation will be eliminated; therefore, if a borrower is in school, that borrower will be unable to consolidate until he drops below six credits.
NextStudent’s Student Loan Consolidation Benefits
NextStudent’s student loan consolidation is a free government program with no fees and no costs. Other benefits include: one-minute eligibility determination; reduced or postponed monthly payments; and the prevention of interest rate hikes.
With a long list of regulations set to negatively turn around student loan consolidation, student borrowers now can take advantage of rates they may not see after July 1.
NextStudent believes that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and it is dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. Learn more about Student Loan Consolidation.
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