What is the Difference between Getting a Federal Student Loan and a Private Student Loan?
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A federal student loan is a specific type of loan that is aided to the student from the federal government; this allows the student to loan what the student needs financially. There is no need to pay the money back until the student has graduated from college or has otherwise decided to stop attending school. This loan can be used for books, transportation, moving costs, or a variety of other scholastic needs. When applying for this loan the student may even find out they are eligible for grants that they were previously unaware of.

There are a variety of different lenders that are going to try provide a loan. This is done to make money off interest and fees. It is the student's job is to weed out bad loans and find federal student loan providers that do not charge outrageous interest rates. Federal student loans are typically the smaller loan amounts given to and they generally have a more relaxed repayment plan.

A private student loan is a much more popular loan because these loan out much higher lump sums. This loan is given to the student if they qualify after applying (to the lender of their choice). The money requested is normally given to undergraduates in a large check but tend to contain hidden charges and exorbitant fees to pay back. Generally, 3% to 4% in fees is the same as 1% interest rate. A private student loan is more difficult to get and has more complex repayment terms. The only reason a student should try for a private student loan is if they have maxed out the federal student loan amount and have no other alternatives.

With understanding the difference between a federal and private student loan, students can better prepare themselves for the eventual repayment terms ahead of time and fully concentrate on their college experience.


What is the Difference between Getting a Federal Student Loan and a Private Student Loan?
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About The Author The author edits a site featuring Grants for Education and another Government Grants site providing info on every grant the federal government offers. Michael Saunders has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Additional Resources

category - Education Grants

Student Loans Available Directly from the Federal Government
There are different variations of a Federal Direct Student Loan available; these are dependent on whether or not the student is eligible for government assistance. Need based programs include the Stafford Loan and the Direct Subsidized Loan; while non-need based programs are the Direct PLUS program, and the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

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Financial Aid for Students - The Role of the Federal Student Aid Office
The Federal Student Aid Office makes sure that eligible students get to benefit from financial assistance to complete an education beyond high school. The Office plays a vital role in the entire financial aid process and has an active role in ensuring that students have access to all the information they need when requesting federal assistance to attend college.

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What does it mean that Federal Student Aid is a PBO?
A PBO is a Performance Based Organization representing an initiative that was created in order to help the government operate more effectively and efficiently. When people call Federal Student Aid a PBO, this means that they are committed to and hold the same standards of the Performance Based Organization.

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Education Grants for High Achieving Students
Academic Competitiveness Grants assist those undergraduate postsecondary students that have completed a meticulous course of study in high school. Financial grant assistance is provided on need-basis to help these students meet their educational expenses.

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