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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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Having the College Money Talk with Your Child

The College Pod

With shrinking scholarships, less aid available, and tighter loan limits, many families are realizing that talking to your child about paying for college is no longer optional—it’s essential. If you’re considering Parent PLUS loans , ask yourself: Could you still make those payments if your job situation changed?

Loans 234
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Beyond Sticker Shock: Helping Families See the True Cost of College

Ruffaloni

Loan anxiety and sticker shock: A shared concern for students and families For both students and their families, concerns about loan debt play a significant role in the sticker shock equation. Families share this loan anxiety 73% of families with loan concerns reported ruling out institutions based on sticker price.

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Does Applying for Financial Aid Lower Your College Acceptance Odds?

Great College Advice

Without the forms, you might leave money on the table and not receive a scholarship that you might otherwise deserve. Second, completing the financial aid forms might make your family eligible for the Federal student loan program, thereby enabling you to borrow some money (albeit a relatively small amount). But be careful!

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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. However, it does not mean you will be liable for any loans the students take out in their name. What is FAFSA?

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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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How to Pay for College: 10 Ways to Get By

AdmissionSight

citizens and permanent residents can qualify for unsubsidized federal student loans and parent loans by filling out the FAFSA, as long as they’re enrolled at least half-time. It’s best to start with federal student loans since they typically come with lower costs and better repayment options than private loans or parent loans.