When it comes to paying for college, career school, or graduate school, federal student loans can offer several advantages over private student loans. Need a loan to help pay for college? Consider federal loans first.
If you apply for financial aid, your school will likely include student loans as part of your financial aid package. It’s important to understand what types of loans you are offered. Generally, there are two types of student loans: federal and private.
If you need to borrow money to pay for college or career school, start with federal loans. Federal student loans are
Federal parent loans are
What are the differences between federal and private student loans?
Federal student loans are made by the government, with terms and conditions that are set by law, and include many benefits (such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans) not typically offered with private loans.
In contrast, private loans are made by private organizations such banks, credit unions, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations, and have terms and conditions that are set by the lender. Private student loans are generally more expensive than federal student loans.
The Many Differences:
Federal Student Loans: Payments aren’t due until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Federal Parent Loans: You (the parent) can choose to put off payments until the student you borrowed for graduates, leaves school, or changes enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private Student Loans: Many private student loans require payments while you are still in school, but some do allow you to defer (put off) payments while in school.
Federal Student Loans: The interest rate is fixed and is often lower than private loans—and much lower than some credit card interest rates. View the current interest rates on federal student loans.
Federal Parent Loans: The interest rate is fixed and may be lower than private loans—and much lower than some credit card interest rates. View the current interest rates on federal student and parent loans.
Private Student Loans: Private student loans can have variable or fixed interest rates, which may be higher or lower than the rates on federal loans depending on your circumstances.
Federal Student Loans: If you have financial need, you may qualify for a loan for which the government pays the interest while you’re in school on at least a half-time basis and during certain other periods. This type of loan is called a “subsidized loan.”
Federal Parent Loans: These loans are not subsidized; therefore, you will be responsible for all the interest on your loans.
Private Student Loans: Private student loans are often not subsidized. In the case of an unsubsidized loan, you will be responsible for all the interest on your loan.
Federal Student Loans: You don’t need to get a credit check to qualify for federal student loans (except for PLUS loans). For PLUS loans, we will check your credit before determining whether you are eligible.
Federal Parent Loans: There will be a check for your credit before determining whether you are eligible.
Private Student Loans: Private student loans often require an established credit record or a cosigner
Federal Student Loans: Interest may be tax deductible.
Federal Parent Loans: Interest may be tax deductible.
Private Student Loans: Interest may be tax deductible.
Federal Student Loans: Loans can be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan.
Federal Parent Loans: Loans can be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan.
Private Student Loans: Private student loans cannot be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan but may be refinanced.
Federal Student Loans: If you are having trouble repaying your loan, you may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments.
Federal Parent Loans: If you are having trouble repaying your loan, you may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments.
Private Student Loans: You should check with your lender to find out about options for postponing or lowering your loan payments.
Federal Student Loans: There are several repayment plans, including an option to tie your monthly payment to your income.
Federal Parent Loans: There are several repayment plans, including an option to tie your monthly payment to your income if you consolidate your loans.
Private Student Loans: You should check with your lender to find out about your repayment options.
Federal Student Loans: There is no prepayment penalty fee.
Federal Parent Loans: There is no prepayment penalty fee.
Private Student Loans: You need to make sure there are no prepayment penalty fees.
Federal Student Loans: You may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service.
Federal Parent Loans: You may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service.
Private Student Loans: Although many private lenders do not offer loan forgiveness programs, some student loans from state agencies can be forgiven in certain circumstances.
Federal Student Loans: Contact your loan servicer.
Federal Parent Loans: Contact your loan servicer.
Private Student Loans: Contact your loan servicer first. If you have difficulty with your loan servicer, contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for assistance.
NB: Private loans differ by lender and by type of loan. Be sure you understand the terms of your loan, and keep in touch with your lender about any questions you may have.
