Responsibly Borrowing Student Loans

By Jessica Mousseau, published Mar 21, 2007
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Many students today turn to student loans to finance their education. Studies have found that around 54% of students in schools have a loan out to pay for school. As the percentage rises, many defaults in loans are also rising every year. With this, school pricing has soared rapidly. Students are taking out loan after loan, digging themselves deeper into debt. This causes tremendous stress to students.

Before getting a loan, you should really weigh out the good, the bad, and all of your options. Ask yourself, "How will I be able to pay off these loans when I graduate?" If you can answer that question without a doubt, then you should probably take out a loan. But if you can't answer this question certainly, you better think twice before putting that kind of weight onto your shoulders.

There is a very appealing trap when dealing with loans. It is so easy to fill out the form and be on your way to school. To a lot of people, this is very tempting, especially if this is their only way of being able to go to school. Most loans don't require you to make payments while you are in school. You can borrow the maximum amount available from a loan even if you can't afford it. This really makes it hard for people to say no.

Here are a few loans with good terms that you should consider:

1. Federal Perkins Loans

2. Federal Subsidized Stafford or Direct Loans

3. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

4. Alternative or Private Loans

Many students are eligible for special loan sources, like the Air Force Aid Society. You should be sure to look for different types of financial aids that you can be eligible for before signing any loan contracts. There are also two forms of education loans for parents. The first is the Federal Plus Loan, and the second is the Private Loan or the Alternative Loan. These loans are available almost anywhere all around the world.

Here are some things you should consider before taking out a loan:

1. Find out how much you should borrow

2. Estimate your loan payments

3. Consider options that will reduce your loans

You should also follow these helpful tips, so that you won't have to carry the burden of debt:

Comments
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"Never borrow more than you need". So true, and perhaps the most important thing to remember about student loans. I had friends who used student loans to pay for all living expenses (rent included)in addition to four years of tuition and they will be paying on their loans long after mine are paid off.

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 5:03:00 PM

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