Low interest student loans are available through federal student loan sources as well as private sectors. Almost all private low interest student loans will require you to pass a credit check and this can be difficult if you are looking for private student loans options with bad or no credit. You will find that a many of the federal student loan programs do not require you to have collateral or even a credit check.
A lower interest rate means lower payments, a shortened repayment period and more money in your pocket. Interest will be charged beginning on the date of the first loan disbursement. Interest can be paid as it accrues or it will be added to the loan’s principal balance upon repayment.
While it is sometimes possible to get a private loan with a very low interest rate, your best bet is with federal student loans. Federal education loans are available in either the Direct Loan or federally-guaranteed student loan programs. The Federal education loan programs offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than most consumer loans, making them an attractive way to finance your education.
Federal student financing (Stafford, Direct and Perkins loans) can be combined with outside and/or school awarded scholarships, like Pell grants (which do not have to be repaid), PLUS loans (made to students’ parents), and other financing.
Start the process by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and submitting the application starting January 1 each year. Once your form is reviewed by the government, they will send you a letter called the student aid report. This report will tell you what programs you qualify for and how much money.
The school you listed on your FAFSA will also receive a copy of this report and will then structure a financial aid package, based on your qualified programs and send to you.
Don’t pass up your opportunity for the lower rates offered by the government run programs, just because of paper work needed. The biggest benefit of filing a FAFSA could be that you also qualify for grants that you don’t have to pay back.
The FAFSA is truly the easiest way to find out where you stand as far as what are the best financial aid options for you…