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Borrowing Basics
After exhausting all other financial aid options (e.g., grants and scholarships), educational loans provide another resource for getting financial help to pay for college. The loan programs work differently, so talk with your lender or college about various loan options.

If you borrow a Federal PLUS Loan (for parents), you will be responsible for repayment of both the principal and interest from the day funds are disbursed. The first payment is due within 60 days after the date of the last loan disbursement.

If your child takes out a loan, it will have to start being repaid soon after graduating college. Generally, your child will be given a choice of repayment plans to find the one that best suits his/her new income and financial status. Because all loans must be paid back, along with interest, only borrow the amount that is absolutely needed. To help determine how much of your child's after-college income should be taken up by student loan payments, use the SLOPE Calculator.

Click here for information about noneducational loans you may want to consider.

Click here for information on educational loans a student may borrow.

Printable version
Printable version
Borrowing Basics
 Interest Rates
 Rights and Responsibilities for PLUS Loans
 Entrance / Exit Counseling
 Repayment of PLUS Loans
 Repayment Options for PLUS Loans
 Loan Repayment Calculator
 SLOPE Calculator
 Consolidation of PLUS Loans
 Deferment of PLUS Loans
 Forbearance of PLUS Loans
 Forgiveness of PLUS Loans
 Default of PLUS Loans
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