How to Be a Responsible Student Loan Borrower

Image of a smiling black woman standing in the hallway.

Flickr user VIA Agency

There are plenty of mistakes you’ll want to avoid when it comes to student loans. It’s far better to prevent trouble than to dig your way out, after all. Here’s how to be responsible with your student loans from the get go.

Do Your Research

Instead of applying to any student loan you’re eligible for, you must find the student loan that fits you best. An ill-fitting student loan can end up costing you thousands in the long run. Better to slow down and find the right fit.

College Raptor can help you here! With our free Student Loan Finder, you can compare lenders and interest rates side by side.

The research aspect extends beyond just the loan type, lender, interest rates, etc. You’ll also need to select a repayment option that works best for your goals. Should you start repaying the loan while still in school, or take advantage of your grace period? Would the standard work best for you, or is the graduated option best?

Know too that there are major differences between federal and private student loans. (Always exhaust your federal aid options before moving onto private loans, by the way. Here’s why.)

Keep Copies of All Documents

You should create a collection of all your loan documents, which can include term agreements, instructions, repayment receipts, and any correspondence between you and your lender. Keep it well organized and you’ll never have to scramble around looking for important details.

Stay On Top of Your Payments

This is perhaps one of the most important responsibilities as a borrower. If you miss a payment, even by a day, it can hurt you big time. Your credit score can take a hit, you could slip towards student loan delinquency and eventually default, and everything gets more difficult. Like digging a hole further and further down.

Instead, make everything easier (and less stressful) by creating a clear payment calendar, or even set up your student loans on auto-pay so you’re never late.

Keep in Contact with Your Lender

More communication is always better than less communication. When it comes to your lender, make sure you’re regularly in contact. Even if you’re just touching base with how things are progressing, or if you have a question, or if your financial situation changes. This can give you peace of mind or helpful information (or both!).

Don’t Let Your Co-Signer Down

You likely had to have a parent or trusted relative co-sign your student loan. If you fail to repay the loan on time, the co-signer suffers too. It suddenly becomes their debt and responsibility, and their credit score can spiral. Reward their trust in you by doing all you can to ensure your loan is paid off on time.

If you’re ever struggling to repay the loan, know that you have options to make it easier. You can refinance or consolidate your loans or change your repayment plan, for example.

All in all, taking on a student loan is a big responsibility that you should be prepared for. Good luck!

 

Lender Rates (APR) Eligibility
Citizens logo.
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CITIZENS
Sallie Mae logo.
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT SALLIE MAE
Credibe company logo.
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CREDIBLE
Lendkey company logo.
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT LENDKEY
Ascent company logo.
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ASCENT
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ISL
Earnest company logo.
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT EARNEST
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ELFI
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.

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