Student Loan News, Updates and Blog Posts

FFEL Lender of Last Resort

Did you know that a student who is otherwise eligible for a subsidized Stafford loan and, after not more than two rejections, who has been unable to find an FFEL lender willing to make such a loan, should contact the guaranty agency in his state of residence or the guaranty agency in the state in which his school is located?

Fraud and the FAFSA

If you suspect that a student, employee, or other individual has misreported information or altered documentation to fraudulently obtain federal funds, you should report your suspicions and provide any evidence to the Office of Inspector General.

What is Considered Untaxed Income and Benefits?

The term "untaxed income" means any income excluded from federal income taxation under the IRS code.

Should I appeal my financial aid package?

After you file your FAFSA and receive your financial aid package from your school either you or your parents might be unhappy with the results. When this happens your first instinct might be to write an appeal to the financial aid office. While this might be the right move in some situations other people should think twice before making a call to the college.

Private Student Loans Hold No Restrictions

If I had a dime every time I heard someone say, "I need more funds for school," I would easily be able to send my entire family to Harvard...TWICE. It's just the way it is these days. We're turning over those stones, calling our rich uncle, and exhausting every avenue we know of to find those extra dollars.

Why Federal Loan Consolidation is Wrong for You

Consolidation is not always the right move for students, yet they do it anyway. I believe the reason for this is because many students assume consolidation is just part of the financial aid process; that consolidation is the final stop on their debt filled journey. The truth, however, is that consolidation is not for everyone.

When Should I Take my LSAT?

The LSAT, which is a half-day, standardized test administered four times each year is a test used as part of the admissions process to get into law school, but when should you take your LSAT

Grad School: Making The Tough Decisions

So you are a senior and college and you have decided that you are definitely going to go to grad school next year. The job market is tough and you figure with a little bit more education you can get into your field of choice and increase your earning potential. You know that between the Graduate Stafford loan, Graduate PlUS loan and alternative student loans you will be able to pay for tuition, books and any other living expenses. Now comes the hard part; deciding which school and program to enroll in.

I Need Funds for Housing Expenses

While federal loans are designed to go toward your cost of attendance private student loans can be used in a wide variety of ways like for housing expenses.

My Grace is Almost Up, When Should I Consolidate?

Ah yes, the dreaded panic button has officially been pressed. Those of you who graduated in May are now approaching repayment at mach one speed.