Tag Archives: college

The Importance of FAFSA for Applying for College Grants

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the best way to apply for a college grant or a scholarship that could help pay for college. This online application form is a real time-saver, as you don’t have to waste any more time doing research on the Internet about scholarships and grants you are eligible for and you can also increase your chances at getting an advantageous grant by submitting your application on the FAFSA website.

You only have to access their website to learn about the eligibility criteria and other useful information you need to consider while applying for a college grant. Understanding the instructions correctly is the first step of making sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to obtain a good scholarship. Check out their FAQ section and try to get clear answers to all the issues that may arise because any mistakes or misunderstandings will lead to your elimination.

It is imperious to fill out the application form correctly and in strict accordance with reality. Usually, many student applications are rejected even from the beginning due to mistakes or inadvertences in their application forms. Collect all the documents you might need before you fill out and submit the application, to make sure you are eligible for such grant.

The main documents you’ll need at hand are bank statements, driver’s license, Social Security Number and tax returns. Having all these documents at hand before you start completing the application form will definitely help you win time and enter correct information. Also, this is a good way to make sure you do have all the necessary documents in case you must submit them.

A more efficient way of signing the FAFSA application is by means of FAFSA pin, which is a unique and personal identification number you can obtain on the FAFSA website. This number will allow you to sign electronically your application form and to grant you access on the status of your applications. You can use the FAFSA pin to apply for other financial products in the future, but students are limited to using this number in order to verify the status of their application.

The best way to maximize your chances of obtaining a great scholarship would be to sign up for it in time. Check the FAFSA deadline to see when it’s best to fill out the application form. If you are organized and responsible, you are very likely to receive positive outcomes.

Student loan (Page 1 of 2)

DEFINITION

A loan is a debt, which entails the repartition of financial assets over time, between the lender and the borrower. The borrower receives an amount of money from the lender, which should be paid back to the lender. The cost of the service depends on interest on the debt. Student loan is a loan offered to students to assist in payment of professional education. It doesn’t matter if you are graduate or undergraduate student. You can borrow money in all cases. Parents may also borrow to pay the cost of education for dependent undergraduate students. Maximum loan amounts depend on the student’s year in college. These loans usually carry lower interests than other loans and are usually offered by the government. Often they are supplemented by student grants which do not have to be repaid.

THE POINT

The cost of professional education rises every year that is why today, student loans are a fact of life. The key role belongs to the government as in any government sponsored program. While included in the term “financial aid” professional education loans differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. Student loans provide a variety of postponement options and extended repayment terms and do not require credit checks or collateral. The federal funds for education are limited and government and private lenders give the students flexibility in choosing the type of college that is right for them.

CATEGORIES OF STUDENT LOANS

There are different types of student loans that are available. They include:

Stafford Loans: Stafford Loans are issued by the federal government. They have a lower interest rate than other types of loans. There are either subsidized and/or unsubsidized Stafford Loans. When you take subsidized loan, the government pays your interest for you while you are studying. Subsidized loans are based on financial need. With unsubsidized loans, you will be charged interest while you are studying, but do not have to begin paying the loan until you graduate college. Unsubsidized loans are available without showing financial need. You must begin paying back these loans 6 months after you graduate.

Direct Student Loans (Perkins Loans): Perkins loans are given to students based on extreme financial need, and usually have very low interest rates. The interest rate is lower than a Stafford. Since the college already has been given its Perkins funds, it simply transfers the loan to your student account as a credit. You have to begin paying between 6 and 9 months after you graduate.

Subsidized Direct Loans: Direct loans are the same as a Stafford except that the federal government is the lender.

PLUS Loans: This is a parent loan, offered by the federal government that is unrelated to need. Generally, parents can borrow up to the total cost of education, minus any aid received. These loans are given regardless of your income, but lenders will consider your credit history. The interest is low on this type of loan and repayment usually begins within 60-90 days after full disbursement of the loan, or after the student graduates.