Repayment Guide - Student Loans are Serious Business

With the increasing costs of higher education, more and more families and students are looking to student loans to finance their education. Student loans are a great tool to ensure more students have access to higher education and are able to fulfill their dreams. However, student loans are serious business and bring with them a responsibility to fulfill the obligations of the loans.

The first step to taking student loans seriously is to determine what is an appropriate amount for you to borrow given the career path you plan to follow. Check out our SLOPE calculator that gives you a fun way to determine the amount of student loans that is right for you.

The next step to taking student loans seriously is to do your own research to determine which are the best types of loans for your situation and which lender can provide these loans at the best price. Not all student loans are the same, and one lender's borrower benefits may be able to save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. To understand more about your options for student loans see our Loan Programs section of this web site.

Taking your student loans seriously and establishing a good repayment history will open financial doors for you. Repaying your student loans can help you establish a good credit rating! You will demonstrate responsibility in handling a large amount of money, so when you go to buy a house or car, lenders will want to finance you at favorable rates. You will also avoid legal action from your guarantor, high collection fees, seizure of income tax refunds, wage garnishment, and exclusion from financial aid and other government assistance that could be critical to you in the future.

This Repayment Guide has been developed to help you understand how to deal with student loans in a responsible manner. In addition to helping you achieve your higher education goals, we are here to help you achieve your lifelong goals, and this information will assist you in keeping on the right track.

• The Players in the Student Loan Process
• Your Rights & Responsibilities
• Your Payments & Repayment Options
• Consequences of Default & Default Prevention
• Loan Consolidations
• Deferments & Forbearances
• Financial Fitness