Financial Education (US)

Student loan: what is it and how does it work?

Are you looking for a student loan to help you go through college? We can help you understand what a student loan is and how it works!

Student loans can be a good cash option for college: we tell you everything about it

Find out what a student loan is and how it works! Source: Unsplash
Find out what a student loan is and how it works! Source: Unsplash

Student loans can be the best option for those who are starting a new academic life and need to pay its costs. Plus, you can live a better college life without struggling so much with money to pay for your college before you find a job. So, keep reading our post to know more about a student loan and how it works!

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There are many types of student loans that can really help you find yourself in the best situation during college times. Also, you can borrow money, whether from the government or private companies. So, check out our post to know more about student loan and how it works, and to find tips on companies that can help you out!

What is a Student Loan in simple words?

Learn what is a student loan! Source: Unsplash
Learn what is a student loan! Source: Unsplash

A student loan is a money you can borrow from lenders to help you pay for college. Student loans can serve as a way not to find yourself in a bad financial situation while you are going through college. You can apply for a student loan to pay for college and only start paying your loan later.

This way, you can go through college times without worrying so much about working. Plus, you can focus more on studying to find a great job after college and complete your student loan repayments.

Also, you don’t only have to use a student loan to pay for college tuition. You can use a student loan to pay for room rent, books, and many other expenses you may have as a student. Moreover, you need to keep your student loan purpose related to student matters.

In addition, student loans usually have two different types. You can get a loan from the government or from private companies. The best option depends on your financial situation and other factors. For example, private student loans tend to have higher fees than federal student loans.

Therefore, check out our topics below to understand more about the differences between private student loans and federal student loans. Also, you will find the advantages and disadvantages of each student loan type!

Private Student Loans

Private student loans usually have higher fees and rates. This is because private companies and lenders also need to pay taxes related to the loans. Also, depending on your financial situation, you can even get lower rates with private loans.

Advantages

  • You can borrow more money than federal loans.

Disadvantages

  • There are higher rates.
  • You can’t get loan forgiveness if you can’t pay.

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Federal Student Loans

This type of loan usually has more fixed interest rates, and you can count on the government to help you if you can’t make some payments. However, you need to pay upfront fees and pass an analysis before you qualify for a federal student loan.

Advantages

  • You can get a federal subsidy to get more fixed fees.
  • The government can pay your interest while you are still in college.

Disadvantages

  • You can only get lower loan amounts when compared to private loans.

How does paying a student loan work?

Before you apply for a student loan, you need to plan your finances to know if you will be able to make all the loan repayments. This way, you will get out of debt and be able to go through your college times in a better way.

Student loans usually have minimum monthly payments depending on the loan type and rates. Usually, you will have to make your student loan repayments within at least 25 years from your loan approval. Also, if you want to take less time to complete your repayments, you will need to pay more each month.

Moreover, you will need to wait for a bill to arrive through a letter or online to make your payments every month. However, if the bill payments don’t arrive, you still have to pay for your loan. So, always be aware of your payment dates and contact the lender if you don’t receive your bill.

How much student loan can I get?

Before you think about applying for a student loan, you need to know your finances. Also, you need to know how much your field of study typically pays. This way, you will know how much money you will gain every month after you start working on your college subject.

Also, you need to know how much money you can start paying during your monthly payments and calculate the rates and fees. With this, you will know how much loan you can get because you will know how much you will be able to repay the lender.

We help you choose the best Student Loan for you

Find the best student loan options for you! Source: Unsplash
Find the best student loan options for you! Source: Unsplash

Now that you know almost all about student loan and how it works we will help you find the best one for your financial situation. We’ve prepared a list of the best student loans that may fit your lifestyle and help you pay for college and college expenses.

Plus, you can use this list to start looking for private loans, but you can calculate the government loan fees to compare with the fees of the loans in this list! So, check out our list below to learn more about the best student loans to help you choose one for you!

Discover Student Loans

This lending company offers student loans for undergraduate graduates, MBA, law, postgraduate, and more! Plus, you can find fixed interest rates that range from 3.99% to 11.59%. Also, you can get loans from $1,000 and much more, depending on your financial situation.

Plus, you can make your loan repayments up to 20 years from your loan approval. Therefore, check out our post below to know all about how to apply for a loan through Discover Student Loans.

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How to apply for the Discover Student loans?

Discover Student loans feature up to 100% of school-certified college expenses covered, with affordable rates and rewards. Learn how to apply for it today!

Sallie Mae Student Loans

With Sallie Mae Student Loans, you can get all your school expenses covered while you go through college. Plus, you can even find loans to pay for your career expenses during college. Also, you can make your loan repayments within up to 20 years, depending on the loan type! So, check out our post below to know how to apply!

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How to apply for the Sallie Mae Student loans?

Sallie Mae Student loans offer affordable loans to cover all your college expenses, including tuition, books, fees, housing, travel, meals, and all you need!

About the author  /  Victória Lourenço

Victória Lourenço is part of the finance writer team for The Mister Finance website. She is a translator and copywriter, having worked on finance topics for over four years. She has a goal to keep studying finances to help people learn more about how to use their credit cards, make loans, and use other money-related products in a way that they can find a more meaningful and healthy financial life!

Reviewed by  /  Aline Barbosa

Senior Editor

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