College is expensive, and the cost of attending most schools only continues to climb. Paying for college is a challenge for most families, but there are actually many ways to achieve a college education without having to pay upfront. 有助学金和奖学金, loans, and work-study programs available to you through many different sources. 在本文中, you will learn about all your financial aid options, 你需要采取的步骤, and resources to support you along the way.

学生资助

经济援助的种类

• 助学金及奖学金: Financial assistance that does not have to be repaid
• Loans: Financial assistance that must be repaid
• 勤工助学: Financial assistance you earn while attending school to pay for educational expenses

申请经济援助的资格

• 按需资助: Awarded to students who do not have sufficient resources to pay for college
• 奖学金: Awarded to students in recognition of special skills, talents, and/or academic abilities

援助来源

• 联邦政府: Through college financial aid offices and the US Department of Education
• State: Through your high school counseling office and state grant agency
• 机构: Through a college's independent financial aid office
• 私人: Through local organizations such as religious groups or civic clubs
• 其他融资方案:
  • College Choice 529 Savings Plan (or any other state’s 529 plan)
  • 房屋净值贷款
  • 学费支付计划
  • U.S. 军事
  • 和平队
  • 美国志愿队
  • 401k或人寿保险贷款

开始与FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines which students qualify for federal grants, 学生贷款, 还有勤工俭学的工作, as well as eligibility for many private awards.

重要的FAFSA提醒

• Remember that federal, state, and school deadlines may vary.
• The first step is to apply for an FSA ID.
• Beware of scams and never pay for the FAFSA.

FAFSA时间表

1. Complete the Application Immediately after October 1: 网上申请网址:www.fafsa.gov. 需要3-5天处理.
2. 检讨你的特别行政区: The Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizes info on the FAFSA. 你应该核实这里的所有信息.
3. 送去学校: The Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) summarizes info on the FAFSA. This is sent to all schools listed on the FAFSA.
4. 获奖信: When financial aid is awarded, a letter will be sent directly to the student. The student will review and follow the school’s process.
5. 探索未满足需求的选择: You’ll lastly need to find financial aid and assistance for any unmet needs. This may include federal and private 学生贷款.

联邦学生贷款

Federal 学生贷款 are government regulated, so it is important to know that these loans have strict terms and conditions. However, these loans come with added benefits that private loans do not have.

联邦直接贷款

• FAFSA required and no credit report check
• Repayment begins 6 months after graduation, or when student drops below half-time status or leaves school
• 利率是固定的
• 有年度限制
• Entrance and exit counseling exams required
• 提供整合选项

Parent PLUS Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans

• FAFSA推荐，但不是必需的
• 需核对信用报告
• Repayment begins at graduation, or when student drops below half-time status or leaves school
• Annual Limits = Cost of Attendance - Financial Aid Received
• 提供整合选项

偿还联邦学生贷款

• You may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments after college
• You may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service
• Interest may be tax deductible and there is no prepayment penalty fee

私人学生贷款

Private 学生贷款 are made by organizations such as financial institutions and state-affiliated organizations, so terms are created by the lender and are different for each entity. These loans typically end up being more expensive that federal 学生贷款, but they can help fill the gap when other options have been exhausted.

• FAFSA推荐
• In the student’s name and may require a co-signer
• 固定利率和可变利率
• 提供整合选项

要素学生健康资源

• iGrad: Financial literacy tools and resources available at igrad.com/schools/elements.
• 学生贷款预约: Meet with our Student Lending Specialist to explore options and identify differences between federal and private 学生贷款, get assistance completing your student loan application, and discuss options for undergraduate degrees and graduate students seeking a business degree.
• 本科私人学生贷款: This private education line of credit fills the gap when you’ve exhausted all other lower-cost sources of aid. This type of loan is great for students attending most four-year public and private nonprofit schools because it covers the entire cost of attendance: tuition, fees, books, 食宿, 及其他相关费用.

有问题或需要可靠的建议? Our credit union experts are always here for you. Contact 好的赌博软件推荐 for support in all aspects of your financial life. 

This information is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Consult with your tax, legal or financial adviser before taking any action.