Federal student loans are often considered the best due to their lower interest rates, flexible repayment options, and potential for forgiveness programs. They are generally more favorable compared to private loans, which may have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options.
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.
Federal student loans are often considered the best due to their lower interest rates, flexible repayment options, and potential for forgiveness programs. They are generally more favorable compared to private loans, which may have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options.
A $30,000 private student loan can cost approximately $159.51 per month to $737.38 per month, depending on your interest rate and the term you choose. But, you may be able to cut your cost by comparing your options, improving your credit score or getting a cosigner.
The monthly payment on a $70,000 student loan ranges from $742 to $6,285, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $70,000 student loan and pay it back in 10 years at an APR of 5%, your monthly payment will be $742.
For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount.
Federal student loans are broken down into four categories: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans and Direct Consolidation Loans. Within those categories, there are loan options for undergraduate students, graduate students, professional students and even parents.
Federal student loans usually don't require a credit check, making them easier to get for most students. However, private loans often require a good credit score, a minimum income and at least half-time enrollment in an eligible institution. If you don't meet these criteria, a cosigner may be necessary.
Are Sallie Mae loans better than federal student loans? In general, federal loans are the best first choice for student borrowers. Federal student loans offer numerous benefits that private loans do not.
Federal student loans are the most common type of student loan. There are four main types of federal student loans: subsidized, unsubsidized, parent loans, and consolidation loans. There are also private student loans, which generally have higher interest rates and stricter requirements.
There are no income limits to apply, and many state and private colleges use the FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility. To qualify for aid, however, you'll also need to submit a FAFSA every year you're in school.
Borrowing to earn a four-year college degree typically pays off, according to research from the College Board, a company that helps prepare students for higher education. This conclusion holds true even after considering the time out of the labor force when a student could have been earning money.
Differences Between Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. In short, Direct Subsidized Loans have slightly better terms to help out students with financial need.
Federal student loans don't have minimum credit score requirements, and most of them don't require a credit check. Minimum credit score requirements for private student loans vary by lender. You generally need a good credit score — often defined as a FICO score 670 or greater — to qualify for a private loan.
Key Takeaways
Carrying student debt can affect your ability to buy a home if your debt-to-income ratio is too high. If you have too much student loan debt, you won't be able to save as much for retirement. Student loan debt can lower your credit score, especially if you fail to make on-time payments.
Being denied student loans is common for would-be borrowers, and several factors could lead to loan denial. Your credit history, credit score, insufficient application information, or other issues could cause you to be rejected for a loan. If you were denied a student loan, you still have options.
A subsidized loan is your best option. With these loans, the federal government pays the interest charges for you while you're in college.
If you're an undergraduate, the maximum combined amount of Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans you can borrow each academic year is between $5,500 and $12,500, depending on your year in school and your dependency status.
Federal loans generally have more favorable terms, including flexible repayment options. Students with "exceptional financial need" may qualify for subsidized federal loans, while unsubsidized loans are available regardless of financial need. The interest is usually lower on federal loans compared to private loans.
Let's assume you owe $30,000, and your blended average interest rate is 6%. If you pay $333 a month, you'll be done in 10 years. But you can do better than that. According to our student loan calculator, you'd need to pay $913 per month to put those loans out of your life in three years.
The average credit score for approved Sallie Mae borrowers is around 748 for undergraduate student loans. That's pretty high – but don't panic if your credit score is much lower than that. You'll need a minimum credit score (or have a cosigner with a minimum credit score) that is somewhere in the mid-600s.