Student Loans?

Question

What lender do u recommend?

Answer 1

Wow some people wrote a book, I say take em all and then get a loan through the student loan people, go into education with math or science and let them pay back for ya over a 5 year period of course. That's what I am doing

Answer 2

Sallie Mae, by far. They're a leader in the industry, technologically advanced, and their call center is huge. Moreover, they're dedicated to *student* lending (by which I mean that some companies dabble in all types of loans, but education is SLMA's focus.) If you HAD to pick another company, try Citibank. They're a distant second to Sallie Mae as far as volume (and sometimes efficiency) but they're still reputable.

Both companies offer streamlined loan processes and top-quality websites with everything you need to manage your loans from disbursement to repayment. They are leaders in their industry. I would highly recommend going with either of these comapnies. In fact, I won't name anyone else because I don't think the others hold a candle to these two. But if you're curious what's out there, you can check out FinAid.org's list of the largest consolidation lenders: http://www.finaid.org/loans/biglenders.phtml

Below is an answer that I wrote for another Y!A Asker, but it holds true for you, too...

When choosing lender, ask yourself the following:

* How long has the company been in business? This is a good indication of the longevity of the corporation. Student loan companies come and go and, when they go, they have to sell your loans to someone. If this occurs, you won't get a say in the matter and could end up with a less-than-ideal lender. In some cases, when these sales are made, students aren't properly notified of the sale, which has led to some students missing payments... which can, in turn, lead to delinquency and default.

* What is the company's website like? Not only is a strong, detailed website a sign of a good lender, but it can also be critical in helping you keep track of your due dates, look up information during tax season, and apply for deferments. This is also a good way to spot a "scam"-type company. If you log onto the website and the first thing you see if an application form asking for your social security number, RUN. A good company will give you ample opportunity to learn about the terms and conditions of their loan before you apply.

*What is the lender's reputation? What's their customer service center like? If you have a chance, talk to your friends, family, and financial aid office to see who they recommend.

Answer 3

File a FAFSA. If you borrow a Stafford loan, it is true that the interest rate will be the safe for a Stafford loan borrowed from a bank or from the Direct loan program (which is administered by the federal government.

Answer 4

the best bet is to shop around for the lowest fixed interest rate, but look into private lenders, too. also, I have lists of agencys you can apply to for scholarships. let me know, if you're interested.

Answer 5

it doesn't matter. you will get the same rate at any bank for a federally insured loan.

Answer 6

Do some serious research. Student Loans are hurting people beyond belief. There is plenty of free money, even a few years in the military is a better alternative. Here is an article from CNN/Money magazine:

Student loans - a life sentence
Forget about getting married and buying a home. This generation is thinking about next month's payment.
By Christian Zappone, CNNMoney.com staff writer
May 1, 2006: 4:25 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Mayrose Wegmann, 25, should have been starting on her dream career as a political consultant by now. And saving toward her first home.
Instead, Wegmann, who graduated with a degree in political science and journalism from the University of Iowa in 2004 and moved to Washington, D.C., is working at a non-profit because it pays significantly more than entry-level politics work. And she won't even consider buying a home for several more years.
In fact, she won't consider much except how to meet the $300 a month she owes on her $34,000 student loan balance.
"The school debt makes you decide [about your career] based on the money factor. Not based on what you want to do," said Wegmann.
The Class of 2006, set to graduate this month, will soon be in the same boat.
Approximately two-thirds of all students use loans to pay for their higher education, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The average debt is $15,500 for public schools and $24,600 for private – many students rack up even more on their credit cards.
Call it a reverse dowry: college debt diverts careers and delays or impedes graduates' plans to get married, buy a home or even to start a family. The effects can last years.
A 22-year old student graduating this year who consolidates their $40,000 loan at 6.125 percent will need to pay $243 a month...until they're 52. By that time, they will have paid $47,494 in interest alone.
A reverse dowry
"My student loan debt is my biggest source of stress in my life at the moment," said Steve Desroches, a 2002 graduate from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. "I live paycheck to paycheck."
The degree left Desroches, who works for a newspaper on Cape Cod, $50,000 in debt with no savings. He's unable to buy a needed car or to even think about entering Massachusetts's "out of control" real estate market.
The repayments were so financially restrictive he briefly considered declaring bankruptcy, until he learned it wouldn't affect his student loans because they're federally guaranteed.
"My feelings about my degree now? My graduate education was invaluable [to my career], but it wasn't worth $50,000, or more accurately, it isn't worth the debt. My options are definitely limited."
Christine Moellenberndt of Sacramento, California has given up on the idea of owning a home, at least anytime in the next 10-15 years. She graduated last June from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in anthropology, and moved back in with her mother when she realized not doing so would mean living paycheck to paycheck with no chance of paying down her debts.
"That $675 I could be spending in rent could also be a good chunk of a credit card payment, or a huge payment for my student loans. I see that as a bit of a better investment than living on my own and struggling paycheck to paycheck."
Moellenberndt says at least half her monthly income working at a state regulatory agency goes to pay off her $18k in federal student loans. And although the debt is daunting, her plans to become a community college professor call for an advanced degree...hiking her debt in the future.
A growing issue for the economy and society
The cumulative effect of such student debt on graduates is unclear, although few would argue that its impact will be positive for the graduates, the economy or society.
"We've never done this to a generation of young people before," said Dr. Heather Boushey, Senior Economist at the progressive Center for Economic and Policy Research. "We've never put a generation in their 20s in debt they can't get out of before they started their work life."
"The normal approach in any healthy society is to help young married couples get started in life through marital gifts, dowries, and the like," Allan Carlson of the socially-conservative Howard Center for Family, Religion, and Society said.
"We now burden many young adults with student debt, sometimes massive in nature; the price being paid includes marriages delayed or foregone and fewer children. This is foolish public policy."

Answer 7

my son just got one......SallieMae, easy to get and works with you!!
www.salliemae.com