One of the questions that most students are asking today is that of ‘how can I get student loans?’, it seems to be at the top of everyone’s hot list and rightly so. Because once you have worked out a financing plan with a student loan or even multiple loans if needed then everything else will fall into place. There will also be a lot less stress because you would have overcome the first major hurdle to your education and indeed it will help to make a massive impact on your future after your schooling.

Below we will look at a few facts that may help you understand your options. I have simplified the answers somewhat so as not to confuse you with masses of needless ramblings and I have stuck to what Detective Friday used to say years ago, in that T.V. show Dragnet “Just give me the facts ma’am!”

Just The facts

Below is a list of tips and facts that are not in any specific order, it is just a collection of useful tips that you can store away, keep a note of the ones that resonate with you and throw the others away.

1. Before you decide to commit to any loan it is advisable to talk to your school counselor. They have their finger on the pulse and will have the latest information about student loans that will be applicable to you and have the experience to help you narrow down your search for the perfect loan. Although, not all loans are perfect but the trick is to find the one that is perfect for you.

2. Lots of educational institutions are starting to go paperless these days with many applications forms readily available for you to fill out online in the comfort of your home.

3. The first option you should consider when getting a loan is to always look at the Government loans first. They normally have much lower interest rates and you can have longer terms also.

4. Government loans were set up to provide those students that may be financially challenged and/or have some other challenging situations affecting them in their lives so as to provide as many people as possible with their right to a good education.

5. You can find the Federal Student Aid application form online and can apply online when needed.

6. Quote “For every human on Earth there are 1.6 million ants” (this has absolutely nothing to do with student loans, I just wanted to see if you were still awake).

7. After you have completed your FASA form after it is evaluated, you will receive a Student Aid Report that will show what loans you are eligible for.

8. Once you are granted a loan, you do not have to accept it.

9. It is possible to only use a part of your loan, this will depend on the specific loan provider’s conditions of course, but it is possible.

10. Private loans normally have a higher interest rate but can be more flexible with the amount of money they can provide.

11. It is a real buyers’ market, in other words, you, as a borrower, are eagerly sought after by all these loan companies who are competing. This can give you even more of an advantage because you could think about negotiating and even better deal with them.

12. Most lenders will have an online portal where you can submit a loan application.

13. The Government PLUS loan system was set up to help parents seek out the best type of Government aid for their children.

14. When you fill out the Government loan application it will probably be required that you have your parents with you as some of the information needed will have to be furnished by them.

15. When filling out any loan applications, you will have to supply detailed information about your current finances including and loans, credit cards and any other relevant information.

16. You will also need to provide all you cosigners details if you have one.

And last but not least…

17. “The total weight of those ant, however, is about the same as all the humans”

I hope that this has been of some assistance in helping you decide what type of student loans will best suit you, good, luck with your studies.