Found Not Lost

I have two college bound high schoolers and it’s never too soon to start thinking about affording college. I have been encouraging them to keep their grades up and and do what they have to do to qualify for scholarships when the time comes. And as much as we’d like to avoid student loans, it is probably inevitable that we will eventually need to fill out a FAFSA. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Student Aid. Applying for a federal grant is probably the best place and the first place to start looking for financing.

From there, you can find other resources that can help you find the financing for college. One source is Direct Student Loans. Direct Student Loans can provide information and direct you to supplemental loans when your federal loan does not quite cover all the expenses. They can can also consolidate your federal loan and any additional loans you may have taken out.

Here are some of the services that Direct Student Loans offer:
Apply for Stafford Loans for Undergraduate Students - this is the federal loan. You will have to complete the FAFSA but you can also get valuable information regarding the process from Direct Student Loans.
Undergraduate Private Student Loans - the government loan is never going to be enough to get you through college. A student can either work to cover the additional costs or apply for a supplemental loan. Sometimes, carrying a second loan is the only way to get through all the necessary expenses of college.
Parent Plus Loan Program - If parents are able and willing, they can also carry some of the credit liability. There is lots of information on the website about this.
Graduate Plus Loan Program - is for students who are completing their post degree education. These loans are tailored specifically for their needs and situation.