Student Loans 101

This tutorial explains the various loan options and how to select a lender.

No one wants to borrow their way through the college years. But the reality is that most families can't cover the full expense from cash flow, savings and financial aid. Even when a college meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need, a portion of the aid package probably will be loans rather than grants.

Low-rate loans to help foot the bills are plentiful, and most families have no difficulty finding educational loans to fill the gap, or even qualifying for them. Although you probably won't apply for loans until after your child graduates from high school, you should give them some thought as you're making the final choice of a school, in the spring of your child's senior year.

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