Topic: Stafford Loans
Demystifying the FAFSA
By John Whelan, Sophomore at Tufts University
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA. You might have seen that odd-looking, strange-sounding acronym before, somewhere during your planning-for-college process. Perhaps you heard your parents discussing it, and at the very mention of a form you shut your ears off.… More »
What types of student loans are included in an Income-Based Repayment plan?
Most federal student loans are included, such as:
Federal student loans through the Direct Student Loan Program
Stafford Student Loans
GradPLUS Student Loans
Federal consolidation loans that do not include Parent PLUS Loans
Perkins loans, if they have been consolidated… More »
Financial Aid Articles
Information on student loans, financial aid, and planning for and managing college expenses.
From how to save for the cost of a college education to consolidating your student loans, you’ll find many resources here on all aspects of paying for college.… More »
Do you know what kinds of student loans you have?
College on the Cheap’s street team interviewed some college students and asked them a few questions about loans, including what the difference is between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, whether you should take out… More »
Do I have to file the FAFSA before I apply for a private education loan?
No, you are not required to file a FAFSA before applying for a private loan. However, you should exhaust other forms of aid, such as federally guaranteed Stafford loans, before taking out a private loan.
Tips on selecting a co-signer
"Co-signer" defined
A co-signer of a private student loan is someone who jointly signs the promissory note (or the contract between lender and borrower) for the loan. Even though the student is the primary borrower, and will receive monthly bills… More »
When do I have to begin repaying a Stafford Loan?
When do I have to begin repaying a Stafford Loan?
After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time, there is a six-month grace period before you have to make a payment on your Stafford Loan(s). During this time, you… More »
