What is the Difference between Getting a Federal Student Loan and a Private Student Loan?

by: Michael Saunders
Attending college is a milestone, but can also be extremely expensive. With some options already in mind, you may want to look at the student loan alternatives that are available to a college undergraduate. Student loans can be very tricky, and are very confusing to most. In many situations, families are accepted for all different kind of loans and then are left in the dark when it is time to pay it back or fail to realize that they owe as much due to accrued interest.

With high interest rates and very unforgiving payment plans, it is best to know what options are available to you prior to being seduced by college lenders with promises of fast money.

You may already be somewhat familiar with the terms ‘Federal Student Loan’ and 'Private Student Loan'; these are the two most popular type student loans being used today. Do not let the terms deceive you, as they do not sound very different, they come with very different stipulations and payment approaches when it comes time to pay the money back. A student loan is anything that is aided to the student or their family from the government or school the student plans to attend. These loans the student will pay back with interest at a later date.
  (continued...)

What is the Difference between Getting a Federal Student Loan and a Private Student Loan?
  Page 2

About The Author The author edits a site featuring Grants for Education and another Government Grants site providing info on every grant the federal government offers. Michael Saunders has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Additional Resources

category - Education Grants

Looking for College Grants?
Grants are a type of student aid that is awarded by the government. Grants for college students do not have to be repaid. Grants are based upon financial need, as calculated by the federal aid progr...

---

Community College Tuition is Affordable
Community colleges are local colleges that offer two year degrees and certifications. Students can take classes at community college and earn credits toward a two year or four year degree program. C...

---

A Guide to Student Grants and Scholarships
Colleges and universities can be expensive... sometimes getting accepted into the school of your choice can be the easy part of the educational journey of the new student. It isn't always easy to find ...

---

Student Loan Consolidation
Why Consolidate Your Student Loans? It's January of your senior year and time to start thinking about all those loans you took to help pay for college. Between Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans and al...

---