July 1, 2006 is D-day for Federal Student Loans

Mark the date - if you have student loans or plan to take out student loans, major changes are in the works that will impact you on July 1, 2006. Every July 1st, the Federal Government resets the interest rates on Federal student loans, but this year is different. Not only will the rates on popular Stafford student loans increase from the current variable rate of 4.7% to a fixed 6.8% rate, but the government has enacted a handful of other laws that mean big changes for future and current students as well as students who have yet to consolidate their loans.

Which student loans are affected?
The student loans that will be affected are those that are part of the Federal Student Loan program such as the Stafford Loan, the PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) loan, the Consolidation Loan, and the Perkins Loan. Each loan type has a cap on the rate of interest that can be charged. While not at their federally enforced cap, interest rates on student loans will hover dangerously close after July 1st, 2006. PLUS loan rates will jump from a variable 6.1% interest rate to a much less attractive fixed rate of 8.5%, just half a point below the interest rate cap of 9%.

Why are student loan rates increasing?
The rate increase for student loans is part of the Senate's $40 billion deficit reduction plan. The largest single spending cut comes from; you guessed it, federal student loans. With nearly 11 million students expected to take out $108 billion in federal student loans in the 2006-2007 school year, the impact has a dramatic effect on the nation's budget.

How will higher federal student loan interest rates impact me?
These changes won't limit the number of loans that will be available. Instead, those who do secure student loans to pay for education will pay back more money in interest over the lifetime of their loan. Most students use federal loans to finance their education. The rate hikes come at a time when students and parents are already struggling to adjust to the drastic increases in tuition and fees over the past ten years.

How can I minimize the financial impact of these changes?
If you're out of school, consolidating your loans now will allow you to lock in the pre July 1st interest rates. Those in school or in their post-graduation grace period can still take advantage of loan consolidation before the "in school" consolidation opportunity is eliminated by the new Senate bill. Current and prospective students should be conscious of borrowing only what is needed to pay for school.

Now is the time to consolidate student loans
If you have not consolidated your loans, now is the time to do it. By refinancing before July 1st, 2006 you can lock in your repayment rates at historically low amounts while enjoying all of the other benefits of refinancing such as a lower monthly bill, a single monthly payment, and a more attractive credit score as a result of fewer open accounts.

Consolidation Options for Current Students
Until July 1st current students still have the option to lock in the lower interest rates by consolidating their loans. After July 1st, in-school consolidation won't be an option any longer under the new law. Students opting for an in-school consolidation before July 1st must waive the 6 month grace period following graduation, but will be locked in to today's historically low interest rates throughout the lifetime of their loan.

What other changes are taking place?
Not all of the changes are bad, although they all involve higher interest payments. Students can now take out PLUS loans for themselves as another option for financing graduate school. Borrower fees will decrease across the board. The current FFELP fee is set to be completely phased out by 2010 and Direct Loan fees will incrementally reduce from the current 4.0% to 1.0% by 2010.

Where can I get help to ensure that I suffer the least amount of impact from these changes?
The complete impact of these changes can be difficult to understand at best. Student Loan specialist companies like ScholarPoint offer experts to talk with and access to online guidance, loan calculators, and information needed to potentially save thousands of dollars. Those who are in the dark about the changes and fail to consolidate will unfortunately suddenly find themselves owing much more than they originally bargained for. With a little insight and a few good strategic moves, you can save quite a bit of money by consolidating your student loans before July 1st 2006.

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All Loans In One - Student Loan Consolidation

A student loan is a kind of loan that students can avail of to help them in paying for their professional education. Student loans are guaranteed by the government and typically have lower interest rates than other kinds of loans.

Sometimes, one loan is not enough to finance all of your educational expenses, including tuition, books and school supplies. This can force you to borrow several student loans from different lenders, which can be quite confusing and even more expensive. To prevent this, you should consider student loan consolidation.

WHAT IS STUDENT LOAN CONSOLIDATION

Student Loan Consolidation is the process of combining all of your student loans into a single new loan with one repayment plan issued by one lender. The balances from all your previous student loans are paid off by the new loan. This allows you to pay only one loan instead of multiple loans.

The interest rate for the consolidated student loans is computed by averaging the interest rates of your current loans.

You can also consolidate your student loans with the loans of another person, such as your spouse. However, this is not advisable. This is because if you need deferment, both of you have to meet the necessary criteria. Also, you will still have to repay the loan even if you separate or divorce.

Most federal loans, such as FFELP and FISL loans, can be consolidated. Some private loans can also be consolidated. Various banks and student loan lenders typically offer loan consolidation options. You can also go directly to the Department of Education to consolidate. Both students and their parents can avail of loan consolidation.

ADVANTAGES OF CONSOLIDATION

Aside from simplifying your payment responsibilities, another benefit of student loan consolidation is that you are able to decide on the structure of your loan. Typically, consolidated student loans require smaller monthly payments than the original loans. If you're having trouble making your monthly payments, then this option may just be for you. You can also convert your variable interest rate to a lower fixed rate, which can save you a lot of money. You can also extend your repayment term from the standard 10 years for federal loans to reach up to 30 years. There is no maximum amount that you can consolidate, and interest you pay may be tax deductible. Consolidated student loans also have flexible repayment options, including no prepayment penalties, allowing you to pay more than your monthly payments.

DISADVANTAGES OF CONSOLIDATION

Of course, there are also disadvantages to consolidating your student loans. By lowering your monthly payments, you will have to extend the repayment period, which, in the end, can result in more interest. However, since there are no prepayment penalties, you can pay more than the required payments so that you can repay the loan faster. Another disadvantage to consolidation is that once the student loans have been consolidated, you may not separate them again. You may end up losing benefits, such as loan deferment. You can also only consolidate once. Thus, it is essential that you research thoroughly for the best consolidation options before going through with the process.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR CONSOLIDATION?

There are certain criteria you have to meet before you can consolidate your student loans. For federal student loan consolidation, you can only consolidate if your current loans amount to more than $10,000. You must be within your 6-month loan grace period after graduation or you should have already started repaying your loans. In order to be eligible, you also should have no previous record of loan consolidation. If you've gone back to school after your initial consolidation, then you are still eligible for a new one.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSOLIDATE?

Once you have started repayment or you are within the grace period, you can already consolidate your student loans. It is advisable to consolidate during the grace period, since this usually results in a lower interest rate.

HOW TO CONSOLIDATE

If you've decided to consolidate all or some of your existing student loans, the first thing you have to do is look for a bank or lender with the best offer. Student loan consolidation plans have different interest rates, fees for late payments and repayment terms. There are websites, such as FinAid, that can provide you with a list of lenders and their offers. Some websites can also help you arrange the consolidation. You can also consult a qualified loan counselor to help you determine whether consolidating your loans will truly be beneficial for you or not. They can help you in calculating the costs of your existing loans and compare it with the cost of the single consolidated loan. They can also explain to you your other options, such as income contingent payments, extended repayment and graduated repayment. By doing this, you can make an informed decision regarding student loan consolidation, and save a good deal of money in the long run.

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How to Determine Which of the 8 Types of Student Loans is Best For You

Last year we struggled with the fact that we needed to fund our college students dreams without much money in the bank.  When we turned to student loans we had no idea there were so many different types of student loans. Let us walk you through a quick recap of what you can expect from the 8 different types of student loans.

The 8 Types of Student Loans:

* Federal Stafford Loan (2 types: subsidized-unsubsidized)

* Federal PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)

* Federal Perkins Loans

* Bank Loans

* State Loans

* Other unsubsidized Loans (Stafford)

* Loans from other sources

* College Board Extra Credit Loans

We had no idea that you could even attempt to get a federal loan without submitting an application to FAFSA.  Once you submit your application to FAFSA you then must wait for your Student Aid Report (SAR).  With SAR in your hand now you can go and find a student loan that meets your needs.

Another eye opening experience.  To me the interest rates associated with student loans are highway robbery.  As you will soon find out, these rates are high but most lenders are competitive with each other. 

1.  Federal Stafford Loan - Subsidized: (government pays interest until you graduate) most popular loans and available to both undergraduate and graduate students.  It's really hard to beat these interest rates.

These rates are for subsidized loans to undergraduate students.

  * 6.0% for the 2008-09 school year

  * 5.6% for the 2009-10 school year

  * 4.5% for the 2010-11 school year

  * 3.4% for the 2011-12 school year

  * returns back to 6.8% for the 2012-13 school year.

From this example it is best to borrow less money now and wait till 2011 to borrow heavy because of the interest rate decrease. And remember on January 1st of each year you must re-apply through FAFSA to received your student loan for the following year.

2. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan -  easy to get and student can pay interest as you go to keep the total loan amount down once they graduate.

***Student Loans Secrets***

Students who are working while attending college, negotiate with your lender to make monthly payments and round up to the nearest tens. If your interest is 8 dollars a month pay 10 dollars which shouldn't be that hard.  Any time you can pay on the principal the better.

3.  Federal PLUS Loans for Parents - allows the parent to take out the entire cost of students college education.  It is not dependent on "how much a parent makes" and it does offer a nice tax break but this could change with a new president.

***Student Loans Secrets***

You can negotiate repayment of your PLUS loan. Chose from graduation date repayments or start 60-90 days after the loan money.

4.  Federal Perkins Loans -  students who are having financial difficulties should look into the Perkins Loan.  The problem with these loans are they are limited, however you will receive a competitive loan interest rate. 

***Student Loans Secrets***

Federal Perkins Loans are reported to your credit bureau.  Do it right and you will have an excellent credit rating.  Default or late on payments will spell trouble.  Be very careful.

 

5.  Bank Loans - if you are turned away by the federal government then turn towards a bank loan.  These loans are usually a little higher and each bank has different regulations.  I'd shop hard before signing on the dotted line.  Some banks do offer Stafford Loans, but they are more strict on their policies.

***Student Loans Secrets***

Banks might limit their loans to full time students and repayment options will be limited.  However you might find some incentives on re-payments of your student loans.

6.  State Student Loans - you will need to visit your local bank to pick up an application.  Most states offer a guaranteed student loan but the banks will administer your funds.

***Student Loans Secrets***

These types of student loans are usually more expensive to borrow from when you compare them to federal loans.

7.  Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - These types of student loans are determined by the federal guidelines and are reserved for borrowers who fall into the "independent category.

8.  Other types of student loans - look at all your options and discuss these with your financial aid advisors at school.  Military dependents, corporations and businesses will offer student assistance. Don't be afraid to ask.

Additional Bonus

There is one place that will pay your tuition fees if you can repay them within a year.  Affiliated with around 2000 universities, Academic Management Services offer student assistance, but be ready for some expensive rates.  These funds should only be used in dire emergencies.

I cannot stress this enough, PLEASE make sure and submit your application to FAFSA early in January of each year. Once your receive your SAR then you can get down to business and be first in line to receive your student loan.

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Student Loans: When Your Educational Dreams Can't Compete With The Cost

Do you know what's soaring and trying to touch the sky? The cost of education. Evidently there arises a need for Student loans. There is no doubt there are scholarships and grants but they do not always make sure that the cost of education is paid for. 64% of students borrow loans for their educational needs. Student loans can actually help you pursue dreams especially if they are build on a platform called education.

Many people borrow money for various things like car, home, vacation etc that they can't pay for right away. Student loans are just one of the ways to fund education if it is expensive for your budget. If money is not available, this of course can happen with any student. Under any circumstance it is better to take student loans rather than drop the idea of studying further. Financial institutions are readily offering loans to young students.

Lenders are frequently offering Student loans. But students are usually young people with little or no credit history. Then why would a lender associate himself with a credit history that is not promising. This is because most student loans are guaranteed by government. For students, Student loans are a cheaper option than any other money borrowing method.

You must have heard that before but borrowing money outside your capacity is not advisable. Same is true for student loans. Try to borrow as much as you need. And look for alternatives and work off campus if you need extra cash. Make sure you have worn out all scholarship opportunities before you apply for student loan. Most lenders will give you the full financial picture of the student loan but see that you do understand all the terms of student loans before you apply.

Qualifications for student loans are based on the income of student leaner, in case of an adult learner and on parent's income if you are dependent on them. Student loans are not only meant to pay for tuition fee only but also any additional expenses. Student loans will provide for board and room, books, computer and even student travel. Depending on your circumstances the student loans can be extended to fit your requirements.

Repayment of student loans is an obvious effect. Start paying back student loans as soon as possible. If you are already planning repayment - congratulations - you are ahead of most people in financial matters. Try to start repaying student loans as soon as possible. If you have other unpaid debts then start with the loan that has the highest interest rates. If your circumstances change - if you want to payback early or in case you can't make repayments you should immediately contact your lender. You repayments will be rescheduled in order to avoid paying more. There are detailed provisions to make repayments in case you become permanently disabled, or if you want to leave the country after completing education.

Student loans are low interest rates loans. The beginning of the year term 2004-5 started with historically low interest rates. Even with a recent increase in interest rate, student loans are a low cost bargain. Student loans lender can help you in calculations, in case you want to estimate when you would like to repay the loan. You take a free quote for student loans from various sites and then compare. Shop around and look for student loans lender that speaks best to your requirements.

Job hunting is becoming competitive by each passing day. There are so many people applying for one job that the one who has more knowledge, experience will find a place to settle. Higher paying jobs entail university backed education. University education in both public and private colleges is undoubtedly expensive but you will be reaping benefits throughout your life. This makes student loans a genuine investment for a lifetime.

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Private Student Loans - What You Should Know About Using This Loan For College

The cost of university education continues to outpace the consumer inflation rate, putting an even greater burden upon the shoulders of financially squeezed families. With annual education costs exceeding $30,000 or more at some universities, the financial burden is particularly profound even when some sort of assistance is made available.

Government student loans have long been an important way to help students complete their education with private student loans now gaining in importance too. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of funding higher education through private student loans.

When it comes to college financing, often the sticker price is one thing, but the actual cost of education is something different. Depending on the aid offered, students can expect to receive anywhere from a full scholarship to not being offered any financial assistance. In most cases, the cost of education lies somewhere in the middle once family income, assets, and other factors have been taken into account.

The amount remaining after financial aid has been factored in is what must be paid to the school, an amount that can vary each academic year. This gap is what often prompts families to consider financing options, with government-backed student loans being one option and private student loans another one.

Private student loans have several advantages to them including:

Quick approval process: In as little as five business days, a loan approval can be given with the funds made available directly to the student. With government student loans, processing is completed through the college.
More money: Usually, you can borrow more money privately than you can receive through government sources. The loan amount is usually capped at $30,000 annually or $40,000 when education costs exceed the $30,000 limit.
More options: Students can use private student loans to pay for a laptop computer and other education-related expenses. A government student loan is more restrictive.
No government involvement: A private student loan is just that - an agreement between you and a private lender. No government paperwork is filed because the funding is strictly private.

Although a private student loan has certain inherent advantages, the following disadvantages should be considered:

Credit check required: Only creditworthy individuals are eligible for a private student loan. In many cases a co-borrower (usually the parents) will have to co-sign the loan.
Higher interest rate: Private student loans charge a higher interest rate than government student loans. Rates are also variable, which means they can change up or down each month. Government student loans are fixed rate loans.
Multiple applications required: A private student loan must be applied for each academic year. That is also true for government student loans.

Unlike other forms of personal borrowing, a private student loan does not have to be paid back until after graduation. Just like a government student loan, grads have a 180 day grace period before the first loan payment is due.

Students should apply for the maximum amount of government student loans available. But when government student loans do not cover the entire cost of education, private student loans are a fast and flexible way to finance the remaining cost of higher education. While a government student loan is an attractive choice for many, private student loans offer a competitive alternative worthy of further exploration.

View more information about the SayStudent Private Student Loan

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Student Loan Consolidation Guide

Student loans are loans that are offered to students to assist in payment of the costs of professional education. The government of the country offers these loans and at a very low rate of interest.

Student loans are a great help to students who plan to do further studies, in their own country or abroad, but lack the requisite funds to do that. In this way student loans not just assist the student but also his family.

Many institutes and universities offer student loan. There are different types of student loans. So there are several options available for students to choose from. Broadly there are two types of loans available: Federal loans and Private Educational Loans.

The students opting for Federal Students loan program are funded and administered initially through the US Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Programs. These loans are the easiest to get student loan consolidation services. The Federal student loan programs disburse about $60 billion a year. Stafford loans are the most common form of federal loans for students.

Private student loans are administered by standard lending institutions. The most commonly opted loans in this are Sallie Mae Signature and the Citibank student loan. These organizations provide unsecured loans to a student and charge hefty interest on it.

A student can combine the private and the federal loans to gather funds for his further studies. However a student should bear in mind that these two loans should not be combined or consolidated. He should consolidate his federal loans first and then separately consolidate privately the student loan debt.

Student loan consolidation refers to building all your student loans into a single loan with one lender and one repayment plan. You can plan to consolidate your loan like refinancing a home mortgage. The time you consolidate your loan, the balances of your other current loans are paid off, with the total balance playing over into one consolidated loan. However at the end you will be left with just one student loan to pay off. The student loan can be consolidated by the student as well as his family i.e. parents.

There are several benefits of consolidating a student loan. For instance loan consolidation offers lower monthly payments, combining of your student loan payments into just a single monthly bill and the lock or the stoppage loan consolidation puts in a fixed, usually lower, interest rate for the term of your loan thereby saving thousands of dollars as per the interest rates of your original loan.

Moreover there is no fees, charges and other prepayment penalties after the loan is consolidated. The consolidated loan offers flexible repayment options. The loan consolidation can be done without any credit checks or co-signers.

The interest rate of your consolidated loan is calculated by averaging the interest rate of all the loans that are consolidated. The figure that so appears is rounded up to the next one-eighth of one percent and so the maximum interest rate comes out to be 8.25 percent.

Loan consolidation is a wonderful option if this lowers the interest rate of your current loans especially at the time you are confronting problems in making monthly payments. But if your current loan is about to end, consolidation is just not a wise idea.

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Student Loans for College - 10 Things You Should Know About Student Loans

Student loans mean a lot for college students because their future depends on the money that will be given to them. Going to college is getting more and more expensive every school year which is why student loans are important to students and parents as well. So, if you are thinking about college or student loans in particular, here are some tips and guidelines that would put your college life in perspective.

1. Collect figures

Collect figures mean that you should now look at how much money is needed in order to pay for your education. This means that you should have at least an idea how much is the cost of the tuition and fees of your desired course. Aside from that, you should be able to have an estimate of other expenses like travel costs, college text books, room and board, college tuition, personal expenses, and other things.

2. Research about student loans

If you already have the information mentioned above, then the next step to take is to look for a student loan that is right for you. All student loans are not the same because not all payment plans are suitable for all. Gather as much information as you can so that you can choose from the options available for you.

3. Types of Student loans

There are five types of loans available for student expenses: subsidized (based on financial need, and the government will subsidize the interest charges until education is completed), unsubsidized (no financial need, interest accrual starts immediately), direct PLUS loans (Parent Loan to Undergraduate Student), private loans, and home equity loans.

4. Differentiate and compare Student loans

Each of the student loans is at least slightly different. Compare and contrast the types of student loans so that you can narrow down your decision process. They are different in terms of payment terms, grace period, or penalties.

5. Financial Need Student loans

This type of student loan has a low interest rate and is from the federal government for students with financial need. The interest rate in this type of loan doesn't begin until the student has begun repayment of the amount thus making it easier and cheap if compared with other student loans.

6. Non-Financial Need Student loans

This is quite similar to the financial need student loan, the only difference is that it is not based on the financial need of the family and the interest rate starts while the student is still in school.

7. Federal PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)

This type of student loan is not based on the financial needs of the student. The parents of the child could apply for this type of student loan. It also doesn't consider the family's income or asset when applying for a student loan. The amount of eligibility is based on the educational expense minus other loans, grants and scholarships t he student qualifies for.

8. Private Loans

The ones that are offering this type of loans are usually companies, banks, and financial institutions. These firms provide private student loans for both undergraduate and graduate students. The interest rates in this type of loan are actually high so it is not really recommended for students to choose this type of loan.

9. Home Equity Loans and Lines Of Credit

In this type of student loan, a home equity loan or line of credit is the way homeowners pay for your college education. One possible advantage here is a tax deductible interest.

10. Choose and manage well

From the different types of student loans mentioned above, choose one or more that is suitable for your needs and your budget. Be sure that once you have chosen the type of student loan that you like, you could actually manage it well and handle the problems that comes along the way.

Student loans were made for two reasons. One is to help the student financially in their quest for higher education, and the other reason is to help them be mature individuals. By having student loans, a student is able to face responsibilities which are really essential once that they step beyond their learning years into everyday life.

Remember though that these loans do eventually have to be paid back, after graduation if not sooner.

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