2010-2011 Federal Student Loan Interest Rates
Hello folks! In our rush of excitement over the passing of SAFRA, we forgot to blog about this year’s federal student loan interest rates.
Here is the complete listing, all in one place for convenience:
Undergraduate
Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan: 6.80% APR
Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan: 4.50% APR
Graduate
Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan: 6.80% APR
Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan: 6.80% APR
Direct Graduate [...]
A Handy Dandy Federal Direct Loans Guide!
Hi readers! If you’re confused by the federal Direct Loans switchover currently in progress, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve put together a guide to the steps required to apply for and receive federal direct loans.
Download the Direct Loans Guide PDF »
You will need Adobe Reader (or other PDF software like Apple Preview) to [...]
Just one week until Student Aid Reform kicks in!
We’re now just one week away until the student reform changes officially start going into effect.
Were your Stafford loans enough?
Seeing as it is the end of June, most of you have received your financial aid award letters and know what your federal loans look like for the upcoming academic year.
So, did you receive enough money in Stafford loans? Keep in mind that there are annual limits for each category (subsidized and unsubsidized) and you [...]
Get Info on your Federal Loans Online
Can’t remember how much of your graduate school tuition will be covered by a Stafford Loan? Want to know when your next PLUS loan disbursement will arrive? You can access all of your federal loan details online through the Department of Education’s National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) database.
Ready for a rate cut? One’s coming in July!
As you can see, it doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a big impact in the long run. Quadruple the savings above and the deal becomes bigger and bigger.
Should you Pay Back your Student Loans Early?
Many graduating seniors are still in the midst of their six-month grace period before they have to begin student loan repayment. But for some lucky graduates who have secured a job and have the means, they may be interested in starting repayment before their grace period is up.
Don’t Forget About Federal Work-Study
Federal work-study isn’t often brought up when discussing paying for college, but it is an amazingly useful and convenient avenue for cash.
When do I have to repay my Stafford loans?
For recent graduates, repayment can be a touchy word while trying to juggle searching for a job and moving out of school, to put it lightly. It is totally common and expected to be at least a little nervous about the process, as you likely have not had a financial obligation like this before.
Stafford loans [...]
Some Alternative Ways to Pay off Your Stafford Loans
If you are a recent graduate, once your grace period comes to a close, you will be tasked with repaying your federal student loans. While many people opt for standard repayment, there are actually alternative means as well – if you are eligible.