Student Loans and Financial Aid Overview

Student Loan Network is one of the nation's fastest growing student loan providers and an expert financial aid resource. For more than ten years, we have helped undergraduate and graduate students and their families access federal and alternative student loans, free scholarships and consolidation funding. Please follow the links links below to learn more about each part of the student loan and financial aid process.

Student Loan Options

Stafford Student Loans

Stafford Loans are federal student loans for college and university students and are used to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work-study. They may be subsidized by the U.S. Government or may be unsubsidized depending on the student's financial need.

Once you have the results from your FAFSA application and know how much you qualify for, apply for the Stafford Loan. Graduate students are encourage to review a variety of loan programs offered through the Graduate Student Loan Program, including the Graduate Stafford Loan.

Click Here to Apply for the Stafford Loan

Parent PLUS Loans

After you find out how much federal financial aid you are qualified for your parents can find out if they are qualified to take out a PLUS loan on your behalf. This can help fill in any gaps in your federal need-based aid. It is important to file for the Stafford Loan first, then the PLUS loan. You can learn more about PLUS Loans and apply online in our PLUS Loan section.

Graduate Students are now eligible for the Graduate PLUS Loan. Visit GradLoans.com to learn more about this federal student loan program for graduate students.

Apply for the Parent PLUS Loan

Private Student Loans - Pay for Tuition, Books and Supplies

• No principal or interest payments until six months after graduation
• 0.25% interest rate reduction for automatice debit from a bank account
• No FAFSA required

Other Student Loan and Financial Aid Resources

FAFSA Financial Aid Application

Ensure that you have completed the appropriate FAFSA application. For free application advice and submission instruction, please visit FAFSA online - your guide to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Financial Aid Forms are required for all federal student aid.

Always start with the Stafford Loan as it typically offers the best rates and repayment options. Should you need additional funds to pay for college, additional options are a Private Student Loan and a PLUS Loan for Parents.

Search for Scholarships

New scholarships are posted daily at Student Scholarship Search. This free service includes all the details you need to apply; including eligibility requirements, deadlines, amounts, and contact information. Scholarship Points (www.ScholarshipPoints.com) is a monthly drawing where students have the chance to win scholarships from $1,000 - $10,000. You earn multiple chances for the drawing by performing simple tasks such as registering, taking surveys, and blogging.

Federal Perkins Loan

A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5%) loan for both undergraduate students and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Your school determines the level of need and will also be the lender of the loan. The Perkins loan is made primarily with government funds and a contribution from your school. You repay this loan to your school.

Undergraduate students can borrow up to $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study (the total amount you can borrow as an undergraduate is $20,000). Graduate students can borrow up to $6,000 for each year of graduate or professional study (the total amount you can borrow as a graduate/ professional student is $40,000, including any Federal Perkins Loans you borrowed as an undergraduate).

Private Student Loans

If your federal student aid report indicates that you do not meet the requirements for federal funding, or it falls short of what you need, consider applying for a private student loan. Visit our Private Student Loan section to learn more.

• Undergraduate Private Student Loan Application
• Graduate Private Student Loan Application
• Dental School Loan Application
• Medical School Loan Application
• Business School Loan Application
• Law School Loan Application

Start Building Credit

Once school funding is complete, consider applying for a student credit card to build credit history and a good credit rating. You can do so at: Student Credit Card Center from Student Platinum

Keep on Top of Financial Aid News

We encourage you to sign up for our monthly Financial Aid Newsletter, filled with new scholarships, information, and tips to get the most out of your education dollar. Check into our Financial Aid Forum to get your questions answered and stay up to date.

Also, our Financial Aid Podcast is free podcast published every week covering topics such as scholarships, student loans, career and personal finance, and great indie music. Each episode is usually just 15-20 minutes, except for the occasional weekend all-music show. Whether you're a student, parent, or financial aid professional, there's something for you in every show.