Student Loans

Student loans

	6 sneaky ways students land in loan trouble From universal default to co-signing, it's easy to get into hot water with your student loan. Unexpected ways to save for college Bad grades: 5 common student loan errors Student loan co-sign went south. Now what?

	Recent student loan stories
	6 things to know about private student loans When in college, a private loan to cover extra costs seems like a good idea. But watch out. How do we opt out as our kid's co-signer? Here's how parents can cut the cord -- when it's keeping you tied to a child's student loans. When a grad student is a freshman in borrowing Here's a crash course in student loans if grad school will be your first time taking on debt. Repay student loan with cash-out mortgage? Reducing the effective interest rate on a loan is smart, but know the tax impact. Which student loans for my grad school kid? Take our crash course on whether a graduate student should tap Uncle Sam or a private lender. Here's how to limit your educational debt Limit the amount of debt you take on from student loans with these four tips. What if I'm stuck as co-signer by forgery? Parents wondering how they got on a child's student loan might ask the kid, ask for a lawyer. Why you should avoid a college loan Take on debt while you're in school? Study up on these points before getting a college loan. Is there a way out for student loan co-signer? You agreed to share responsibility for a buddy's college loan. Here's how to get off the hook. Student loan changes to help low-income borrowers Federal loans will be cheaper for some borrowers and those who consolidate certain loans. Recent college graduates struggle to find jobs College grads have a leg up in the job market, yes? Not in a downturn, they don't. Here's why. Can I combine parent and child student loans? It seems smart to bundle student loans to parents and child, but the strategy faces snags. College loans: Graduate then consolidate? Bogged down by college debt? A financial aid guru weighs in on loan consolidation. Who applies for student loan: you or your kid? Student loans are in flux. Get a rundown of the changes before deciding who signs for the debt. Is widow on hook for student loan? If you die, your spouse might be liable for your student loan. It depends on the lender. Student loans becoming scarce Congress cut student loans as it raised the debt ceiling. Expect less aid in the future. 7 tips on how to refinance a student loan If you're interested in a student loan refinance, here are seven tips to consider. Should a HELOC cover your college costs? Thinking about using a home equity loan to cover your college costs? Consider the pros and cons. College loan consolidation 101 Drowning in student loans? Here are seven things to learn about pursuing a college loan consolidation. 7 surprising ways to cut student debt Minimize the financial strains of college by taking these steps before debt comes due. Pay off student loan or invest money? If you're a conservative investor, it likely makes more sense to pay off your college loan. Parent on the hook for son's student loan You co-signed a college loan. If your kid doesn't pay, you're next in line for collection. FAQs on student loan consolidation Is student loan consolidation a wise choice for you? It could be. Check out our FAQ about consolidating. Repaying your student loans After graduating, you must pay the piper for the loans that put you through school. You have options. Start saving early for college College costs are increasing. Start saving early in your child's life. Don't delay your student loan applications Get your FAFSA forms in. It's late in the year to request aid for the coming school year. 4 tips to navigate private student loans Exhaust other avenues first. Private loans should be your college financing of last resort. 3 tips to limit student debt Follow these rules to ensure the loan you take out now isn't a burden after graduation. Student loan nightmare may be fraud If you're slapped with unexplained college loan fees, call the federal fraud hotline. Little room to haggle on student debt Trying to get a student loan discharged? You may face a three-pronged eligibility test. More small banks offer private student loans now As big banks pull out of the student loan market, community banks step in. Know the pros and cons. Federal student loans and grants Uncle Sam offers a number of programs to help pay for higher education, from Pell Grants to Perkins Loans. Student loan cancellation programs in jeopardy College grads expecting canceled debt may face big student loans instead. These are their options. Department of Education buys student loans If you've gotten a letter about your student loan, here's what you need to know. What to do when you can't pay student loans If making student loan payments is tough, you can set up a new payment plan, among other options. Doing the student loan shuffle The credit crunch has extended to student loans, leaving many wondering how they'll get funds. Shopping for a student loan When you search multiple loan options, you could be damaging your credit report. Here's the best way to shop No rush to consolidate student loans this year Forget the usual scramble to consolidate student loans by July 1. This year, rates are expected to drop. Use home equity to pay off student loan debt A home equity loan typically offers better terms than a student loan, says the College Money Guru. Getting student loans after bankruptcy When you file for bankruptcy, you're still eligible for government student loans, but not for private loans, says the Bankruptcy Adviser. Student loan forgiveness: Rare, but possible Student loan repayment is right behind death and taxes in terms of unavoidability, but there are loopholes. College Financing Basics, Ch. 5: Paying off student loans The date you graduate sets the date you'll have to start paying back that money. This chapter teaches you how.

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Stafford Loan Rate-in school average
6.80%

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Student Loan Averages

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
Stafford Loan Rate-in school	3.40%		4.50%
Stafford Loan Rate-after school	6.80%		7.14%
Plus Loan Rate	7.90%		8.50%
$30K home equity loan FICO	6.19%		6.17%

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ByJoseph Hurley

College Money Guru »

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6 sneaky ways students land in loan trouble

Recent student loan stories