student loans

Why You Should Start Paying Back Student Loans While in School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some loans, like direct subsidized or direct unsubsidized loans from the Department of Education, don’t require you to start paying back until after you graduate college or leave school. You will even be granted a six month grace period. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait to start paying the money back. Here are some …

student loans

People Who Can Cosign Your Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 26, 2024

Most students need a cosigner to get private student loans because they do not meet the requirements on their own. While parents are common cosigners for student loans, they are not the only ones who are eligible to cosign. Relatives, friends, or any adult can cosign student loans provided that they meet the lender’s cosigner …

student loans

4 Tips to Finding your First Student Loan

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Starting your search for student loans can be a daunting task, but it’s a good feeling when you’ve found your first. Here are 4 tips for how to find student loans. Think About Federal vs Private Loans Your first stop in the student loan process should be the FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal …

student loans

How To Save Money On Your Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 9, 2023

Finances can be especially tight during the first few months after graduation. Even if you’re lucky to get a job immediately, chances are you’ll be earning a starting salary. That has to cover your rent, food, and utility costs. Most new grads barely have enough money left over to cover their loan repayments. However, those …

student loans

How Often You Should Connect with Your Student Loan Lender

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

For the most part, after you accept a student loan, you won’t have to connect with the lender very often. However, there are a few times that contacting them will be absolutely necessary. Here are a few examples of times you should connect with your student loan lenders. To Change Contact Information Changing or updating …

student loans

How To Decide Which Student Loans To Pay Off First

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Paying off your highest interest student loans first will save you the most money in interest. This is the best strategy to use when trying to decide which student loans to pay off first. If you have trouble staying motivated, consider paying off your smallest balances first. This will reduce the number of loans you’re …

student loans

What is a “Good” Student Loan Interest Rate?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 30, 2023

Every advice article lists ‘interest rate’ as the most important factor to consider when choosing student loans. But the big question remains – “What is a good interest rate on student loans?” And how do you compare the rates that different lenders offer? The truth is there is no simple answer. There are several factors …

student loans

What is APR for Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 12, 2023

There are several factors you need to consider to find the best student loan option for you. The three top things to look at are the loan type, interest rate of the loan, and the APR. Regarding loan type, there are two to choose from – federal and private student loans. When it comes to …

student loans

Signs that You Should Refinance Your Student Loans

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve heard the surprising statistics: over 44 million Americans are in debt with $1.3 trillion due to student loans. That’s over 13% of the nation’s population! The number is scary, for sure, but it’s important to keep it in perspective. Just because an individual is in debt doesn’t mean it’s something they can’t recover from. In …

student loans

When Do I Need to Pay Back My Federal Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

What exactly is a ‘good income”? If you have a student loan that you are still paying off, a good income is one that allows you to make your loan payments comfortably every month while still leaving a substantial amount to cover all your necessities as well as some luxuries. While you have earned the right …