Student loans can be a necessary evil. College is very important and can help you get established in a career or help further your career but it is also very expensive. Before you take out student loans, find out what other types of financial aid might be available to you.
Scholarships and grants are free money from the government and other organizations that does not need to be paid back. They are the best way to pay for an education however not everyone qualifies for enough scholarships and grants to receive a full ride. There are endless types of scholarships available for school and the first step is to apply to them. When you are accepted to a school, the school may grant you scholarships based on the information you provided on your application. The government provides grants to you when you fill out your FAFSA form. These are financial gifts awarded to students in need. In addition to this there are many types of scholarships available through business and other organizations. The best way to find scholarships is to look online. Take some time to apply to as many as you qualify for. Every little bit helps.
Once you have exhausted all of your opportunities for student aid that does not need to be paid back you can get student loans to cover the rest of your coast. Government loans again come from filling out your FAFSA. There are a few different types of loans, the two most common being direct subsidized loans and direct unsubsidized loans. Take advantage of any direct subsidized loans first as these have a grace period while you are in school where the department of education pays interest on the loan for you. With unsubsidized loans you are responsible for the interest during the entire length of the loan.
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