student loans

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

One of the hot-button issues of the recent decade has been the skyrocketing costs of college tuition. In a greater manner than ever before, students must explore alternate routes of payment in order to attend institutions of higher learning. Around 68% of students who graduated from college in 2015 have student loan debt. The average …

student loans

The Difference Between Direct Subsidized Loans and Unsubsidized

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying for the FAFSA matters. When applying for federal aid through FAFSA, you will find that there are two loans for students available through their program: direct subsidized loans and unsubsidized. Your family’s current financial situation and your needs determine which loan lenders offer and which you prefer. Direct Subsidized Loans  Subsidized, also know as …

student loans

Types of Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 4, 2024

There are several different federal student loan repayment plans you can choose from, each one designed to meet different needs and requirements. The repayment plan you choose will impact your cost of borrowing as well as the time it takes to clear the debt. Understanding the different types of federal student loan repayment plans, how …

student loans

Your Guide to Private Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 16, 2024

Private student loans, also known as private education loans or alternative education loans, can help fund your education gap when federal aid, scholarships and savings don’t fully cover the cost of school. Private loans are offered by many banks and each have their own requirements, interest rates, and protections. Before you borrow money for college, …

student loans

Types of Federal Student Loans

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The federal loans program in the United States is officially known as the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Under the Department of Education, there are three types of federal student loans available: direct subsidized, direct unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS loans. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before choosing which is …

student loans

Important Things to Know About Stafford Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Stafford Loans are a type of federal student loan offered by the U.S. Department of Education.  The Stafford Loan program was established in 1988. It was named after Senator Robert Stafford who was instrumental in passing legislation that transformed the Higher Education Act of 1965. As of 2010 however, the Stafford Loan program was renamed …

student loans

What You Need to Know about the PLUS Loan

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many different financial aid options available to college-bound students. The easiest ones to understand are usually scholarships and grants: You put in the effort to apply for it, you receive the award, and you don’t have to pay it back. Loans, on the other hand, must be paid back over the course of …

student loans

Student Loan Acronyms You Need to Know

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Planning for college finances can be tricky enough, even without all the letter-scrambling acronyms thrown into the mix.  Between the jargon and complicated questions, we understand why financial aid can be so difficult. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of common student loan acronyms to help break things down a bit, and make the …

student loans

What I Wish I’d Known About My College Loans

By Jessica ThiefelsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s not difficult to get a student loan. Guidance counselors and admissions representatives practically serve them up on silver platters. All I had to do was sign on the dotted line, before some imaginary funds were shuffled around and my class schedule popped out of my printer. Now, when I get my bill every month, …

student loans

How to Pay for College: Student & Parent’s Guide to Federal and Private Student Loans

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

The cost of college can be scary–there’s no doubt about that. But, it doesn’t have to be unbearable. There are many ways for students and their parents to finance a top-quality education, even if it may seem out of reach. Aside from cash/savings, scholarships, and grants, there are two main funding options to pay for college: Federal …