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The Best Student Loans: How to Borrow Smarter

The College Pod

So, if you find you can't afford college without some amount of loans, it’s important to consider how much you borrow because you’ll have to pay it back later, with interest. Think of student loans as a double-edged sword. Federal Student Loans Federal student loans are usually the best place to start when borrowing for college.

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How to Choose An Affordable College: 10 Key Factors to Consider

The College Pod

If loans are necessary, financial experts believe you should not borrow more than your child’s expected starting salary post-graduation. Student loan calculators can project monthly payments and loan payoff timelines, which vary by loan size, interest rates, and repayment terms. This helps prevent overwhelming debt.

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Why Every Family Should Apply for Financial Aid

The College Pod

>>RELATED: Financial Aid Guide - How to Apply for Financial Aid It’s Required for Federal Student Loans Even if you’re sure your student won’t qualify for grants or scholarships, they may still need to borrow money for college. And the best loan options come from the federal government. That's a risk not worth taking.

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What is the FAFSA: A Complete Guide for Parents

The College Pod

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students and parents complete to become eligible for financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. By filling out the FAFSA, students can access financial aid from the federal government, state, and the college to help pay for college.

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What is Student Aid Index (SAI)?

The College Pod

However, many colleges might meet this "financial need" with a mix of financial aid that includes loans. These include Subsidized Loans (need-based) and Unsubsidized Loans (not need-based). Colleges may also combine federal aid with state and institutional aid, including scholarships and grants to meet your financial need.

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8 Ways We Can Help Our College Students During Uncertain Times

Grown & Flown

student grants and loans, civil rights investigations, etc.) As Im sure you also know, the president has directed that the Department of Education (DOE) beclosed , with some functions (e.g., How might recent changes affect your student? 8 suggestionsthat will be helpful for parents whose teens are or will be in college 1.

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Didn’t Get into Your Dream School? Here’s Why It’s Okay

The College Pod

Separate free money from loans. Loans do—so pay attention to how much debt you'd need to take on. Oprah Winfrey got her start at Tennessee State University, an HBCU, before becoming a media powerhouse. It’s that time—college acceptance letters are rolling in. Take a deep breath. Another key factor is access to professors.