Grants
Importance of College Education
Students begin questioning the importance of a college education from high school itself. Some feel that being able to earn immediately after school is a more attractive proposition and they convince themselves that a college education is not that imperative in the long run. Others may find the costs of a higher education prohibitive and have other responsibilities to take care of. But, more than ever, students need to understand that attending a college provides opportunities and advantages that others might find lacking later on in life. Today, the global economy is becoming more and more competitive and in order to improve the chances for a well-paying job, a college education is extremely important.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs of the future will require some post-secondary education or training. College graduates also earn nearly twice as much as high school diploma holders. The U.S. economy has shifted from being a manufacturing-based one to knowledge-based. Unlike with past generations, high school graduates are unable to qualify for the high-paying jobs that are now available. A college education undeniably serves as a gateway to better options and more opportunities.
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Private Education Loans
Education loans are sought by people who don’t have personal funds for their education. Private education loans, also known as alternate loans, are those that are taken when federal loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs are not sufficient. A private education loan would cover all education expenses such as: tuition, room and board, uniforms, transportation, fees, books and even a computer.
Private education loans are not guaranteed by the government unlike federal loans. These are generally offered by private trusts, philanthropic and non-profit organizations. The loan amount can range between $1,500 and 30,000. Generally, the loan amount would cover the entire cost of education, minus any federal grants or scholarships. All US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents can apply for a loan. Students who are applying for their own loans should be US citizens, should have a good credit record and meet certain conditions. Foreign students can apply with an eligible US cosigner. The interest rates for these loans are higher than those for federal loans ranging between 8-10%. Maximum repayment period is 20 years and is based on the loan amount. Minimum monthly principle and interest payment for some of these loans is $25. Repayment options are of many kinds. These include immediate payment of principle and interest, immediate repayment of interest, deferment of principle, and deferment of both interest as well as principle. These examples are contingent on the kind of loan taken. For graduate/professional loans, both principal and interest are automatically deferred while the student is in school, and during the six months following graduation or from the time the student ceases to be enrolled in school at least half-time. Private education loans cannot be consolidated with federal education loans.
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