The United States of America is a sought-after place for students from different parts of the world to study. However, many are stuck due to the inability to fund their dreams. In cases like this, these students need a loan. They need to access various student loan options for eligibility and to afford the price of tuition, travel, as well as room and board at these colleges and universities.
Getting your higher education in the US is an aspiration come through for many students around the globe. Due to the many opportunities surrounding it. As such, affordability may be a basic challenge.
American universities have a varying government fee system which is flexible. Therefore, tuition varies drastically across the US. For public universities, it ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 annually. Having in mind that, most undergraduate degrees last four years.
These universities, payment schemes differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students when calculating tuition fees. This helps you with the student loan repayment plans while studying the student loan options. A typical four-year public college charged in-state students $10,940 while out-of-state students were charged $28,240 a year.
While the private non-profit college charges $39,400 on average. These include universities such as Harvard, Duke, John Hopkins, Stanford, and Yale.
So venturing into this, a proper picture should be painted. Ranging from the differences between federal vs. private student loans, student loan interest rates, repayment plans, income-driven repayment, and public service loan forgiveness. Understanding all of these will help you navigate smoothly without qualms.
Understanding The Different Types of Student Loan Options
Federal Student Loans
This student loan option is mainly for US citizens and permanent residents. Here, the government offers them low interest rates on loans to help pay for college. While this option is great, intending students must first meet eligibility requirements and provide satisfying evidence that shows their current financial situation.
To access this option, this student must consider an income-driven repayment plan. Note; non-US citizens or international students do not qualify. These loan options are an important source of funding for college students in the US. And are of different categories available to US students. Which are;
1. Direct Subsidized Loans
These are student loan options available to undergraduates with financial need and the government pays the interest while they are still schooling.
2. Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Are open to both undergraduates and graduates. However, the student is responsible for paying all interest that is accumulated.
3. Direct PLUS Loans
Direct PLUS Loans are available to graduates, professional degree students, and parents of dependent undergraduate students, but require an examination of their credit history.
4. Direct Consolidation Loans
Also allows borrowers to combine multiple federal education loans into one loan with an exclusive monthly payment.
Private Student Loans
Great for international and US students looking to go through school with financial aid options. With these, you can shop around to find the best one that suits your eligibility. Be sure to cross-check if your lender is compatible with your school since this will be necessary for them to certify the amount of money borrowed.
Also, international students are usually required to have an American co-signer on their loan. However, there may be exceptions at some schools where no cosigners are needed.
Types of lenders providing international student loans
Banks
Having to borrow from your bank offers you the comfort of having your banking and student loans in one place. Additionally, most of these banks offer a 0.25% interest rate discount to you when banking with them.
Lending companies
These are non-bank lenders who offer international students more flexibility. While you may need a co-signer to get through with the loan, you also may not need a co-signer or collateral to access the loan. But your desired career path and potential income qualify you. For instance;
An international student who accesses a loan option that requires a co-signer does have an edge. And get a lower interest rate on their private student loan. Note that a US-based co-signer may also be a fit for some banks and lending companies, so this poses importance on having a co-signer while looking for a private student loan.
Those who are opting for private loans without a co-signer should expect a higher student loan interest rate. While having a co-signer may not be a requirement for some non-bank lending companies, it can still save you money over time. Hence, if you are not able to find a co-signer, it’s a good idea to factor a higher interest rate into your budgeting.
While obtaining an affordable interest rate is key when picking a private loan, you might want to consider other factors, such as grace periods, fees, and the repayment period.
Interest Rates
This is an essential factor to consider before taking out any loan. This influences the overall cost of money issued out and as such is described as the fee for being able to access funds from lenders. For international students, you must know how much is the interest rate. Also, this can ensure they are making the most informed decision by becoming fully aware of their loan details. As such, when it’s accumulated, they don’t look confused or caught off guard. Knowing exactly how much is needed for a loan will help in building an effective budget plan.
One of the most important things to understand when checking out student loan options is the interest rate you are vying for.
Variable
With variable rates, your payments can change over time – so be prepared for your repayments to go up or down over time.
Fixed
Fixed-rate loans will keep your monthly costs stable throughout repayment as the rate is fixed for the term of the loan. But it encourages you to be consistent.
Student Loan Repayment Plan
Every student loan option comes with a grace period. After graduation, these students are given time to get settled and fit into life after school before taking on this financial commitment. This time usually spans 6 months.
Student loan repayment plans can differ greatly depending on the type of loan, rate, and term. The length of a typical payment plan is 10 years; however, this timeframe could be reduced or extended based on the lender’s or an individual’s preferences. The monthly payment usually includes both principal and interest payments with federal loans requiring a minimum $50 installment each month. When deciding how to tackle student debt it is important to consider what sort of repayment plan suits you personally.
International students face more chaos when it comes to a repayment plan. Especially on a timeline that suits their budget. So, most of them end up spreading their payments for over 30 years. This may be attached to some lenders. Choosing this option makes their monthly expenses more manageable, but it will end up incurring more interest than if they were to take on a lesser period of payment with lesser interest.
Finally, before you set out on your educational journey to the US, it’s important to do a bit of research and understand all about student loan options. Find the loan that works best for you, and be cognizant of interest rates and repayment plans – this knowledge will be extremely valuable in helping you manage the cost of your studies!
