How to Acquire Student Loans
If you’re a student, you’ve likely thought about how to acquire a student loan. Despite its intimidating nature, student loans are an excellent way to pay for school. In order to keep from overborrowing, however, students should take advantage of scholarships, grants, and working while in school. Below are some tips that may help you acquire a student loan without putting yourself at risk. Hopefully, these tips will help you find the right loan for you and your situation.
Information you need to know before applying for a student loan
When you’re preparing to apply for a student loan, you need to gather all of the necessary information, such as the interest rate, repayment terms, and fees. You’ll also want to compare student loan perks like co-signer release options, deferment options, and forbearance plans, as well as the lender’s customer satisfaction rating. Most lenders will allow you to apply online, so there’s no reason to fill out a paper application. Once you’re finished, you’ll want to sign and return all loan paperwork to the lender.
Your social security number is not necessary to apply for a student loan, but it is important to ensure you have it. This information will help lenders verify your identity and background, and incorrect social security numbers can delay the loan application process. It is advisable to obtain a duplicate card if you’ve lost your SSN or forgot it. In addition, many lenders want to see the most recent bank statements, so you may want to consider providing these to your lender.
Getting a student loan with a good credit score
If you want to get a student loan but have bad credit, there are several things that you can do to protect your score. The first thing to do is prequalify for a loan. Prequalification for a student loan can help you determine what interest rate you’ll receive and can prevent a hard inquiry on your credit. Sofi, for example, offers fixed-rate loans with as low as 2.99% APR. Click the “Find My Rate” button to get started. You’ll be asked to input your personal information to receive a quote. The actual loan application will cause a small ding to your credit, so it’s best to use a prequalification service before applying for a loan.
While federal student loans don’t consider credit scores, most private lenders will consider them. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options available for people with bad credit to qualify for a student loan. With a little planning and research, you can get a student loan despite a low credit score. But you should also know that getting a student loan with a bad credit score will still be a challenge.
Getting a federal student loan
Federal student loans are simple to obtain. They are available to graduate and professional students, as well as to parents of dependent children. Federal loans do not require a credit check, although the lender may look for specific items on a parent’s credit report. If the parent has no credit history, the lender may consider other financial aid options. But, the process of getting a federal loan will usually be straightforward and free of charge.
Federal student loans fall into two categories, subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and the government pays all interest while the student is in school. Unsubsidized loans, on the other hand, are available to everyone. Unlike subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans must be paid back with interest. The benefits of subsidized loans, however, are often worth sacrificing the lower interest rate.
Getting a private student loan
Getting a private student loan requires a strong credit score, a low debt-to-income ratio, and two years of employment history. Many private student loans require a co-signer. Obtaining a credit report will give you an idea of your score. However, each lender will have different criteria for credit score. Typically, the FICO (r) score is around 660. If your score is lower, you may want to reconsider applying for a private student loan.
Once you have your financial aid offer, contact several lenders to compare their services and rates. Be sure to apply at least 60 days before your payment deadline to ensure you have adequate time to complete the application process. While private student loans generally have a higher interest rate than federal loans, they are less flexible and have fewer repayment options and flexible payment plans. While applying for a private student loan, be aware of the time it may take before your application is approved.