My SIL called me to ask about getting a student loan for my niece. She’s overwhelmed by all the apparent scams and such out there, and want to avoid those.
I’m happy to help her, but it’s been twenty years since I went to college, and I went on a full scholarship.
Does anyone have links to reputable loan companies to share?
Thanks!
First off, the she needs to fill out a FAFSA form. I had all my loans through Sallie Mae at first, but I just consolidated. I had no problems ever.
I know there’ve been news stories about semi-corrupt college financial aid offices, but in general getting help from the school itself is a good bet.
Seconded.
There are various types of Federal student loans that are awarded on a need basis. If she doesn’t qualify for those she’ll have to start looking at private loans. The first thing to do is call the school financial aid office and ask what you need to do to apply for financial aid. The will have you fill out that FAFSA but they may have other forms that are specific to their program. I think you’re better off starting with the financial aid office than going directly to private lenders.
Tell her to talk to her school’s financial aid office. That’s how I went about getting all of mine. They pretty much walk you through the process, and they won’t include known scammers on their lists of preferred/recommended lenders.
Thanks, all, for your replies! I’ll pass the info on to SIL.