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How Student Loans Work

How Student Loans Work

One of the biggest obstacles that students face when pursuing higher education is the cost and many students don’t know how student loans work. 

As tuition fees continue to rise, students are finding that using student loans as a way to finance their education is becoming unaffordable.

According to the Federal Reserve, the total amount of student loan debt in the United States has reached $1.6 trillion and it shows no sign of slowing down.

To avoid making a costly mistake, it is essential for students and their families to have a solid understanding of how student loans work before taking out a loan.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the different types of student loans, how to apply for them, and what to expect during repayment. 

You will also learn about the eligibility requirements, interest rates, and other important factors to consider, before taking out a loan.

 

Step 1 – Types of Student Loans

Before you can apply for a student loan, you need to understand the different types of loans available. 

Here are the most common types of student loans:

  • Federal Loans – Funded by the federal government and include:
    • Direct Subsidized Loans
    • Direct Unsubsidized Loans
    • Direct PLUS Loans.
  • Private Loans – These loans are offered by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions.
  • State Loans – Some states offer student loans to residents to help finance their education.
  • Employer Loans – Many larger companies make loans to staff and their families for higher education.

Each type of loan has its own eligibility requirements, interest rates, and repayment options. It is therefore essential to understand the differences between the loans before choosing one.

Federal Loans

Federal loans are often the best option for students as they offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. 

Here are the different types of federal loans:

  • Direct Subsidized Loans – These loans are available to undergraduate students in financial need. The government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school and during the six-month grace period after graduation.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans – These loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.
  • Direct PLUS Loans – These loans are available to graduate students and parents of undergraduate students. They require a credit check, and interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.

Private Loans

Private loans should only be considered after exhausting all federal loan options. They often come with higher interest rates and less favorable repayment options. 

However, they may be a good option for students who do not qualify for federal loans. Private loans also require a credit check and may require a co-signer.

 

Step 2 – Applying for a Student Loan

With so many options open to you, applying for a student loan can be quite overwhelming. However, after looking at all the options, you can apply to more than one and decide which one offers you the best overall rate.

Once you have determined which type of loan is best for you, you can begin the application process. 

Here are the steps to apply for a student loan:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – This application is used to determine your eligibility for federal loans and other financial aid.
  • Review your financial aid package – After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid package from your school, which will include any federal loans you are eligible for.
  • Apply for private loans – If you still need additional funding, you can apply for private loans directly with the lender.

What are the Different Types of Federal Student Loans Used For?

There are several different types of federal student loans available to students and their families, including:

Direct Subsidized Loans

If you’re looking for a reliable option to finance your education, the Stafford loan is the way to go!

With the flexibility to choose between two types of Stafford loans, you can find the perfect fit for your financial needs. And the best part?

These loans come with a fixed interest rate, which means you won’t have to worry about any surprise increases in the interest rate throughout the repayment period. 

It’s like having a financial safety net that provides you with the stability and certainty you need to plan your future.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Keep in mind that unlike its subsidized counterpart, this loan requires you to shoulder the interest that accumulates even while you’re still in school.

However, you have the freedom to choose whether you want to pay off the interest as it accrues or let it add up and be capitalized.While paying the interest while in school may save you some money in the long run, it’s understandable if you prefer to prioritize your finances while you’re still studying.

Just keep in mind that capitalization will increase your principal balance, which means you’ll end up paying more interest in the end. The choice is yours, so weigh your options carefully before making a decision!

Direct PLUS Loans

If you’re a graduate or professional degree student, or a parent of a dependent undergraduate student, you’ll want to take a closer look at Direct PLUS loans.

These federal loans can help you cover education expenses that might otherwise seem out of reach. And with a fixed interest rate, you won’t have to worry about unexpected changes in the rate during the repayment period.

But there’s more to Direct PLUS loans than just the interest rate. You should also be aware that these loans are not subsidized, which means interest will accrue even while you’re still in school. 

There’s also an origination fee charged to process the loan, which will be deducted from the loan disbursement before you or your school receives the funds.

However, don’t let these costs discourage you just yet! 

With the Grad PLUS loan and the Parent PLUS loan options, you have some flexibility to choose the loan that’s best suited to your needs. And while a credit check is required to qualify for a Direct PLUS loan, it’s not as daunting as it might sound. 

Direct Consolidation Loans

These loans allow borrowers to combine multiple federal student loans into one loan, with a single monthly payment.

This can make it easier to manage their loans, and they may also be eligible for lower monthly payments.

 

Step 3 – Repaying Your Student Loans

After you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment, you’ll have a six-month grace period before you’re required to start repaying your student loans. 

During this time, interest will continue to accrue on your loans, so it’s a good idea to start making payments as soon as you can.

There are several repayment plans available to help you manage your student loan payments, including:

  • Standard Repayment Plan – this plan requires you to make fixed monthly payments over a 10-year period.
  • Graduated Repayment Plan – this plan starts with lower payments that gradually increase over a 10-year period.
  • Income-Driven Repayment Plans – these plans calculate your monthly payment based on your income, family size, and other factors. There are several different income-driven repayment plans available, including:
    • Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
    • Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
    • Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE)
    • Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
  • Extended Repayment Plan – this plan allows you to extend your repayment period up to 25 years, which can lower your monthly payments.

It’s important to note that while income-driven repayment plans can lower your monthly payments, they may also result in you paying more interest over the life of your loan. 

Be sure to carefully consider your options and choose a plan that works best for your financial situation.

What if I Can’t Afford My Student Loan Payments?

If you’re having trouble making your student loan payments, you may be eligible for deferment or forbearance, which can temporarily postpone or reduce your payments. 

You may also be eligible for loan forgiveness or discharge programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

It’s important to contact your loan servicer as soon as possible if you’re having trouble making payments. 

They can help you explore your options and find a repayment plan that works for you.

 

What Happens if I Don’t Repay My Student Loans?

Not everyone is able to keep up with their repayments and they often fall into default. When this happens it can be stressful and traumatic as the repercussions can have negative long-term repercussions on your credit score.

Defaulting on your student loans may result in:

  • Damage to your credit score.
  • Wage garnishment.
  • Loss of eligibility for federal financial aid and loan forgiveness programs.
  • Legal action, including lawsuits and seizure of tax refunds.

The first thing you should do is let your loan provider know that you are experiencing financial difficulty. Try to work out a plan to make partial payments until you get back on your feet.

If that fails, and you are totally unable to make the payments, then the sooner you inform your loan servicer the better.

If you’re having trouble making your student loan payments, it’s important to contact your loan servicer as soon as possible to explore all your options and avoid default.

 

6 Tips for Managing Student Loan Repayments

Managing student loans can be challenging, especially for recent graduates who are just starting their careers. 

Here are some practical tips to help you manage your student loans effectively:

  1. Make a budget: Creating a budget can help you keep track of your expenses and make sure you’re able to make your loan payments on time.
  2. Consider a loan repayment plan: If you’re struggling to make your loan payments, consider switching to an income-driven repayment plan. This will base your monthly payment on your income and family size.
  3. Look into loan forgiveness programs: Some professions, such as teaching or public service, offer loan forgiveness programs for those who work in those fields.
  4. Consider consolidating your loans: If you have multiple federal student loans, you may be able to consolidate them into one loan with a single monthly payment.
  5. Stay in touch with your loan servicer: Your loan servicer can answer any questions you have about your loans and help you navigate the repayment process.
  6. Pay extra when you can: If you have extra money, consider putting it towards your student loans to pay them off faster and save on interest.

While student loans can be a great way to finance your education, it’s important to understand how they work and how to manage them effectively. 

By following the steps outlined in this guide and staying on top of your loan payments, you can successfully repay your student loans and achieve financial stability. 

Remember, don’t be afraid to reach out to your loan servicer for help or advice along the way. 

Good luck!

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about student loans:

StudentAid.gov: The U.S. Department of Education’s website has information on federal student loans, loan repayment options, and loan forgiveness programs.

FinAid.org: This website has information on financial aid, student loans, and scholarships.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The CFPB has resources to help borrowers manage their student loans and avoid scams.

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS): This website lets you view your federal student loan information, including loan balances and loan servicer contact information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. Do I have to start repaying my student loans right after I graduate?

No, most federal student loans have a six-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment before you have to start making payments.

Question 1. What happens if I can’t make my loan payments?

If you’re struggling to make your loan payments, contact your loan servicer as soon as possible. They may be able to offer you options like deferment or forbearance, which can temporarily pause or reduce your payments.

Question 2. Can I pay off my student loans early?

Yes, you can pay off your student loans early without any penalties. Paying extra on your loans can help you save on interest and pay off your loans faster.

Question 3. Can I consolidate my private student loans?

Yes, you may be able to consolidate your private student loans with a private lender. However, consolidating your loans may not always be the best option, so make sure to do your research before making a decision.

Question 4. How can I find out how much I owe in student loans?

You can view your federal student loan information on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website. For private student loans, contact your lender directly.