Some of you may have already started school, while others of you will beginning in the next couple of weeks. If you still need help funding your education, student loans are still available. If you are considering applying for a student loan, it’s important that you compare your options to find the one that is right for you. To help you do this, we would like to present you with a list of things to consider when comparing student loans:
Interest Rate
The interest rate you are offered by each lender is probably the most important point of comparison. However, don’t simply go with the lender that offers you the best rate. It is important to look at all the terms and conditions associated with the loan to make sure you choose the best option. For example, you might be offered two different loan packages, one with 9% and another with 10%. However, the 9% rate is a variable rate and the 10% is fixed. In this instance, a student might choose the 10% option knowing that the rate will never go up. However, another student might choose to risk having their rate go up in the future for the lower rate now. One way to make this decision is to see what sort of formula the lender uses to determine your variable rate.
Repayment Schedule
If you plan to take a full course load and you know you won’t have time to work in order to make your monthly payments, you might actually consider taking a loan with a higher interest rate. While you will certainly pay more over time with this option, it might be worth it if you know you would struggle to make your monthly payments while in school. Another thing to consider regarding the repayment schedule are whether you are required to pay interest while in school.
Repayment Options
Many lenders offer similar repayment options as government loans, but be sure to look at the various plans that are available to you.
- Is there an income-based repayment option in case you have a financial hardship?
- Can you defer your loans if you decide to go back to school?
These are important questions to ask even if you don’t think you will need to apply for a different repayment plan or for a deferment. Again, you might consider a loan with a higher interest rate if that lender gives you more flexible repayment options. Finally, you might compare lenders based on the method of payment. If you have to pay by check and online payments aren’t an option with a certain lender, then you might consider going with the lender that offers various repayment options.
Fees
Most private lenders charge an origination fee, which is added to the principle of the loan, or the total amount you need to repay. Compare the origination fee (which is usually a percentage of the borrowed amount) with the interest rate. You can use a loan calculator to compare the total cost of two loans with different interest rate and different origination fees. Be sure to also compare the lenders based upon other fees such as a fee for going into deferment, a fee for paying off the loan early, or penalties for late payments. Taking into consideration all of these different fees, a loan with a higher interest rate might actually end up costing less in the end.
Benefits
Some lenders give borrowers certain perks or benefits in order to get your business. These benefits can range from a reduced interest rate for paying on time or via direct debit, a small bonus such as $50 in your bank account. Although the benefits don’t tend to fantastic, if you have two lenders competing for your business that are offering similar terms, a small bonus might be the thing that makes the difference between the two.
Thanks for this loan admin but please what will qualify a student to obtain this loan
To be eligible for our loans, you need to attend an eligible school and have a US cosigner. You can learn more about international student loans on our info page. Best of luck!
I really need to study my Masters in the US, i really need that loan but i don’t have anyone there to act as my co – signer, please isn’t there any other way you can help? Thx
Hi Shosti. Unfortunately a co-signer is required for all international student loan programs. That co-signer must be a US citizen or permanent resident, with good credit, who has lived in the US for the past two years. This is typically a friend or family member of yours. If you cannot find a co-signer that meets these requirements, you are unfortunately ineligible for our loans. For more information, you can find help on finding a cosigner here: http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/resources/how-to-find-a-cosigner.php
Thanks Jennifer Frankel for sharing your thought about student loan. I want to know the real process for student loan.
My pleasure! You can learn more about the loan process for international students here: http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/international_student/
My uncle is a canadian citizen, can he co-sign my loan to study in the US?
Unfortunately a US co-signer is required for all international student loan programs. That co-signer must be a US citizen or permanent resident, with good credit, who has lived in the US for the past two years. This is typically a friend or family member of yours. If you cannot find a co-signer that meets these requirements, you are unfortunately ineligible for our loans.