Student Loan » Credit Unions

Students Scramble to Find Student Loans as Fall Semester Draws Near

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:19:31 +0000

It’s crunch time for college students trying to secure the money they need for the fall semester. But with lenders continuing to suspend their student loan programs — the count now stands at 131 federal loan lenders and 30 private loan lenders — students may find themselves challenged to locate lenders that are still offering federal or private student loans.

In an attempt to help lenders be able to continue making new federal student loans, the government included a provision in the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act, signed into law in May, aimed at providing capital for cash-strapped lenders.

Under this legislation, the Department of Education can buy federal college loans from lenders, thereby providing these lenders with the liquidity they need to continue funding new parent and student loans. The law specifically targets lenders who, in the current credit crunch, are unable to find investors in the secondary market willing to purchase their student loan portfolios.

Even with this legislation in place, however, lenders continue to find themselves forced to suspend their student loan programs. As recently as July 28, the Brazos Higher Education Service Corp., the 26th-largest originator of federal student loans in 2007, and the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, the largest student loan issuer to Massachusetts residents, both announced that they would no longer be able to provide either new or current borrowers with student loans.

As the suspensions of both federal and private student loan programs keep spreading through all types of lenders — large and small; for-profit and nonprofit; banks, non-banks, and credit unions; state loan agencies and schools-as-lenders — students and their families are finding themselves with fewer borrowing options to get the parent and student loans they need to pay the fall tuition bills that are coming due over these next few weeks.

Two Major Lenders the Latest Casualties of Student Loan Crisis

The Brazos Group, a primarily nonprofit group of higher education lending, servicing, and other financial aid companies, first announced that it would stop offering federal college loans back n March. In May, however, after the government passed the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act, Brazos once again began offering federal parent and student loans, saying that the government’s short-term liquidity plan had renewed the organization’s confidence in its ability to continue offering student loans.

But Brazos once again suspended its education lending program late last month, citing continued turmoil in the student loan industry.

Brazos Executive Vice President Ellis Tredway said his organization simply “ran out of time to get everything in place” to issue new student loans for the fall.

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, which issued more than $500 million in college loans to 40,000 Massachusetts college students and their families last year, had already suspended its federal student loan program in April. Now, MEFA has also pulled the plug on its non-federal private loan program, which provided Massachusetts students with fixed-rate private student loans.

“While we continue to pursue every possible option, raising the necessary funds to offer fixed–interest rate private education loans is taking longer than originally projected and has become even more challenging,” said Tom Graf, MEFA’s executive director.

Students Face the Uncertainty of Switching Lenders

With over 8 million students and parents having turned to federal college loans in 2006–07, according to the College Board, the number or families that stand to be affected by the ongoing wave of lender departures this year is not unsubstantial.

Last week, financial aid officers at Texas A&M University — a school with over 54,000 students — heard from seven different lenders warning that they would no longer be able to offer federal student loans, a situation that has made more than a few borrowers uneasy.

Dyneche Duffield, an incoming college student headed to Houston Baptist University, is uncomfortable with the prospect of having to establish a relationship with a new lender other than her local bank, which used to offer student loans.

“I would have much rather taken out a loan there than somewhere where I didn’t know anyone,” Duffield said.

While students like Duffield may still be able to go directly to the Department of Education for their federal college loans or find those remaining lenders who are still offering private student loans (albeit with more stringent credit criteria that are making it harder for students to qualify), the magnitude of the problem within the student loan credit markets and how deeply it has permeated the college loan industry is alarming to many administrators and officials in higher education.

Kathryn Osmond, executive director of student financial services at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, finds the situation with MEFA to be particularly indicative of a long-lasting and serious problem.

“An economy that is in such a tailspin that it affects a critical agency like MEFA,” said Osmond, “is an economy that scares me.”

By: Jeff Mictabor

Private Investors and Small Business Financing

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:13:51 +0000

To most people the only source of loans are banks and credit unions. However the finance world has many more players than that. Real estate investors have long used private mortgage investors as a way of buying real estate. Small businesses are now learning they can also use private investors to secure the funds they need to expand their businesses.

Private investors are individuals who are willing to lend their money to other people. In return the private lender receives a higher interest rate than they would get if they just put their money in the bank. Every private lender has their own lending criteria, which is often less strenuous than the red tape of a bank. I don’t meant to imply that getting a private loan is easy or guaranteed, rather just that the terms and conditions of a private loan are far more flexible because you only have to convince one person of the merits of your business proposition.

Make sure the business deal is a good one. Don’t waste your time or theirs by approaching them without a business plan or having done your due diligence. You often only have one shot to impress a private investor so don’t go into the meeting unprepared. Be confident but take any critique they offer to heart. They may help you by giving you solid insight into why you should not go forward with the plan you presented them or at least show you where your plan is weak. Listen carefully and take notes on what is said if the person declines to invest. You can tweak your business plan for the next potential investor. Or maybe the investor will say that you should fix the plan and come see them again.

Most private investors are savvy business people themselves and will understand a good business transaction when they see it. They will also be able to see through any scam someone may try to pull. Private lenders are not going to invest in a bad deal. If your business idea has merit then chances are the private lender will discuss terms with you. You are not obligated to take the terms of their loan anymore than the lender is obligated to fund the loan. Negotiate the terms to see if you can get a lower interest rate if you think it is too high. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower interest rate or a longer period to repay.

By: Rhonda Holland

Private Student Loans Can Be Directly Given to the Students

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:25:44 +0000

Private student loans are the loans that are given by the banks over and above the student aid that is given to the students. These loans are also called as the alternative student loans.

These loans are paid generally to the school in which you are enrolling. In general the banks prefer it to be directly given to then school. However since these are private student loans there are banks and credit unions which give these loans directly to the students.

The reason for this is simple as that will mean that the students can use these loans to buy books or a computer or even to pay their living expenses. This cannot happen if the loans are given directly to the school. That said before applying for the private student loans make sure that you check as to how the proceeds be given.

If in case the proceeds are not given to you directly then you can try another lender. Please make sure that when you apply for the loan that you specify the exact purpose for which you need the loan. This helps in getting the loan application approved. Once approved tell the approving bank for the person in whose name the check should be written by the bank. The side benefits of receiving the funds directly are that your school loan limits are not exhausted and it is as good as your personal loan.

Make good use of the loan and repay it back faster as these private student loans are very expensive.

By: Bruce Victor

Student Loans

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:03:39 +0000

Student Loans

Student loans are often necessary for students who do not have strong financial background and in need of financial assistance.

As the student types vary, so varies the student loans available to the students. There are graduate loans, undergraduate loans, medical loans, private loans, federal consolidation loans and so on. These loans may be provided to the student or to his/her parents. Depending on the nature of your study, you can choose one.

Who offer these loans?

Both Federal and private lenders offer a student loan. See which are available to the students

Federal Student Loans

Federal governments provide these federal student loans. These loans are offered to the student or to the parents.

You can simply file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for this type of loan. This single form will be enough to apply for various such federal loans for students. The advantage is that the loan does not depend on your credit. They come as loans or grants.Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Perkins Loans are examples of such Federal student loans.

Scholarships and Grants

You can also get scholarships and grants. The best part is that, you do not have to return or repay them. Without any credit check, you can get these two. Federal and private lenders both can offer scholarship and grants. These are known as “gift aid”.

Private Student Loans

Private student loan is another source you can rely upon. Private parties like banks, community groups, credit unions etc offer such loans. Your creditworthiness has a big role to play here in getting you a private student loan. You may also need a cosigner to get the loan. They also look into the field you are going into.

Bad credit student loans are available for the students with bad credit history. So your bad credit situation cannot stop you from getting good education. You may need help of credit counselors or financial advisers. Immediate bad credit student loan programmes are also available from financial institutions. You may need a cosigner while applying for a bad credit student loans.

By: Bikash Kalita

Fundamentals Of Debt Consolidation Loans

admin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:48:55 +0000

If you’re drowning in debt, you are definitely not alone. Millions of people around the world are having a hard time making their monthly payment obligations. Although some choose bankruptcy as a means of squashing debt, others are turning to lower interest rate or fixed interest rate debt consolidation loans to dig them out of the debt hole.

When you secure a debt consolidation loan, you basically combine all of your outstanding loans into one loan and then use that money to pay off your other obligations. Debt consolidation loans can be secured or unsecured. With a secured loan, you are required to put up an asset (like your home) as collateral. Then, if you ever default on the loan, you give the loan company permission to take back the asset to meet your loan obligation. In contrast, with an unsecured loan, you don’t offer any assets as collateral. The main difference between secured and unsecured loans is that secured loans have lower interest rates and more favorable terms because they are less risky to lenders.

The main benefit of debt consolidation loans is that they give you peace of mind and allow your payments to work harder for you. Consider this; if you have ten credit cards with various interest rates averaging about 28%, and you’re able to secure a debt consolidation loan for 15%, you’ll save more than 13% by consolidating. Now, that’s a serious savings!

When searching for a debt consolidation loan however, you have many options including local banks or credit unions, companies that send out mass mailers advertising and on line firms. The key to finding the best debt consolidation company is to carefully evaluate prospective companies before signing on the dotted line.

Here are some tips to help you find a great debt consolidation loan:

1. Beware of bad lenders. Not every debt consolidation company is legitimate. Some companies (predatory lenders) attempt to take advantage of consumers by charging extremely high fees for debt consolidation loans. Sometimes these lenders’ fees are so extreme that they resemble state maximum mortgage fees. Instead of choosing a company like this, seek out reputable companies that have a sound reputation, offer fair rates and aren’t fly-by-night firms. Make sure they don’t have any complaints with the Better Business Bureau and that they offer some safeguards for borrowers.

2. Ask for discounts or better terms. Many debt consolidation companies may be able to discount your loan. Always ask for lower interest rates and be willing to shop around for the best deal. By doing this, you’ll save yourself a ton of money.

3. Evaluate your options. Although debt consolidation loans can work great, you have to make sure that the interest you pay is worth it. That is, if you can secure a better deal by simply negotiating with your creditors, then that would be your best bet. They key is to evaluate your options carefully and do what is best for you and your individualized circumstances.

4. Read and understand your loan terms. Always read your terms to make sure that you understand your loan obligations. For instance, is the offered interest rate better than the ones that you previously pay? What are the payment terms? Do you have a locked or fixed rate? Will you be penalized for paying it off early? Understand the answers to these questions before you commit yourself to this particular company.

In conclusion, debt consolidation can be a wonderful option for those who are suffering financial hardship. However, you can’t just choose the first debt consolidation company that comes your way. Instead, you have to evaluate your options, do your homework, and read and understand your loan terms. Once you do, you may find that debt consolidation is an effective way to eliminate debt and relieve financial stress.

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How to apply Government Grants (www.grantseekerpro.com)

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:41:51 +0000

The best tool for managing a few debts is the student loan consolidation. This helps you mix all your private or federal student loans into a single one with longer terms and affordable payment.

In the US, there are two types of student loan categories available: the federal student loans and the private student loans.

The federal student loan consolidation will help a student combine all his loans into a single one with a very low interest rate. Also the length of the payment term can be set according to his needs. A student can ask for a federal consolidation loan from various financial institutions each offering great loan packages.

On the downside, the low monthly payments will help increasing the full total amount to be repaid. Even so the federal consolidation student loans offer the following beneficial features:

- Interest rate – the rates offered by the federal consolidation student loan is considerably lower than any other private loan plan.

- Monthly payments – the monthly payments are now affordable and won’t endanger your budget

- Single loan – each month you’ll have only one payment to make.

If a student is not enrolled in any school and has repaid any other previous loans in time or he is in grace period after post graduation then he is eligible for federal consolidation loans. The minimum amount is $10,000 or more.

The students that already have federal educational loans are eligible also for consolidation loans. The student debt consolidation loan doesn’t include the private education loans.

A student can apply for a federal consolidation loan at several companies and institutions such as: secondary markets, banks and credit unions.

The federal loan interest amount is tax deductible and that’s why it would be best not to mix federal and private loans. If the student does that, he’ll only lose its advantages offered by a federal consolidation loan.

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