What is satisfactory academic progress?
Your GPA and credit hours can affect your financial aid.
About the author
Katie Lowery is a Bankrate editor on the Loans team, where she shapes content to help people navigate personal loans, auto loans and student loans. She’s passionate about financial literacy and strives to help consumers make informed decisions with their money.
Before joining Bankrate, Katie edited personal finance content at LendingTree and CNN Underscored Money. She has spent more than a decade editing financial and economic content and was the sole editor of several award-winning books. When she’s not exploring the latest lending trends, Katie enjoys knitting, tending to her growing plant collection and traveling with her family. She currently lives outside Austin, Texas.
Katie wants you to know
Borrowing money and managing debt can feel overwhelming, but if you have an understanding of the process and a clear goal in mind, your money can work for you. A great first step is to check your credit score and reports, then focus on improving your credit profile so you’re well positioned to borrow at an affordable rate.
Your GPA and credit hours can affect your financial aid.
You don’t have to use your grace period, although it is a useful buffer.
Going to school can help you when tax season comes around.
It’s generally not a good idea to sacrifice savings for student loans.
The official FAFSA deadline is June 30, but it’s best not to wait that long.
Mariner Finance offers loans as small as $1,000 and accepts joint applications, but applicants may have to visit a branch in one of 28 states.
PNC Bank’s low-APR, no-fee personal loans are best for those interested in consolidating debt or making a large purchase.
PayPal is a great option for buy now, pay later borrowers who have an established account with PayPal.