Offers for student loans can start arriving in your mail even before you graduate high school. While you may find that exciting, beware. But here are some things that you need to consider before you sign up for a future of debt.
Be sure you know about the grace period of your loan. Each loan has a different grace period. It is impossible to know when you need to make your first payment without looking over your paperwork or speaking with your lender. Be sure to be aware of this information so you do not miss a payment.
Once you leave school and are on your feet you are expected to start paying back all of the loans that you received. There is a grace period for you to begin repayment of your student loan. It is different from lender to lender, so make sure that you are aware of this.
If you are moving or your number has changed, make sure that you give all of your information to the lender. Interest begins to accrue on your loan for every day that your payment is late. This is something that may happen if you are not receiving calls or statements each month.
Consider using your field of work as a means of having your loans forgiven. A number of nonprofit professions have the federal benefit of student loan forgiveness after a certain number of years served in the field. Many states also have more local programs. The pay might be less in these fields, but the freedom from student loan payments makes up for that in many cases.
Try shopping around for your private loans. If you need to borrow more, discuss this with your adviser. If a private or alternative loan is your best bet, make sure you compare items like repayment options, fees, and interest rates. Your school may recommend some lenders, but you’re not required to borrow from them.
To ensure that your student loan funds come to the correct account, make sure that you fill out all paperwork thoroughly and completely, giving all of your identifying information. That way the funds go to your account instead of ending up lost in administrative confusion. This can mean the difference between starting a semester on time and having to miss half a year.
If you have yet to secure a job in your chosen industry, consider options that directly reduce the amount you owe on your loans. For example, volunteering for the AmeriCorps program can earn as much as $5,500 for a full year of service. Serving as a teacher in an underserved area, or in the military, can also knock off a portion of your debt.
Make sure you stay current with all news related to student loans if you currently have student loans. Doing this is just as important as paying them. Any changes that are made to loan payments will affect you. Keep up with the latest student loan information on websites like Student Loan Borrower Assistance and Project On Student Debt.
To get a larger award when applying for a graduate student loan, only use your own income and asset information instead of including your parents’ data. This lowers your income level in most cases and makes you eligible for more assistance. The more grants you can get, the less you have to borrow.
If you are having a hard time paying back your student loan, you should check to see if you are eligible for loan forgiveness. This is a courtesy that is given to people that work in certain professions. You will have to do plenty of research to see if you qualify, but it is worth the time to check.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to score a tax interest deduction for your student loans. This deduction is good for up to $2,500 of interest paid on your student loans. You can even claim this deduction if you do not submit a fully itemized tax return form. This is especially useful if your loans carry a higher interest rate.
Don’t rely solely on your student loan; get a part-time job. You may be able to pay for some things yourself, and you will have a little extra money to hang out with friends.
To ensure that your student loan funds last as long as possible, start a savings fund while you are still in high school. The more of your college costs that you can defray from your own funds, the less you have to borrow. This means you have less interest and other costs to pay over time.
To maximize the return on the investment that you make when you take out a student loan, make sure that you do your very best when you go to class each day. Make sure that you are prepared to pay attention, and have your assignments completed beforehand, so you get the most from each lesson.
To keep your student loan borrowing costs to a minimum, consider working as a resident advisor during your last three years of undergraduate study. While you will be living in a dorm with freshmen, serving as the leaders of the building, you will also receive free room and board, which makes the duties somewhat less onerous.
To ensure that you get the best use of your student loan dollars, take as many credit hours as you can without sacrificing the quality of your academic performance. Full-time students are taking 12 or more hours, but most universities do not charge for more hours after reaching full-time status, so take advantage and pack the classes in.
Financing your college education may be one of the most important decisions you will make. Borrowing a large sum of money at high interest rates can turn into a huge financial burden. So, keep in mind what you’ve gone over here while you get into college and being working on the future.
