Student Loans and Financial Aid Overview

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

Undergraduate Student Loans

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.

Learn More: Stafford Loan | Private Student Loan | Parent PLUS Loan

Graduate Student Loans

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

Learn More: Stafford Loan | Private Graduate Loan | Graduate PLUS Loan

FAFSA (Free Financial Aid Application Form Online Guide)

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. FAFSA Financial Aid Forms are required for all federal student aid and are strongly recommended for all students.

Student Scholarship Search

FREE eBook:
Scholarship Search Secrets
Step-by-step instructions on preparing to and finding your own scholarships using Google! Click here to download.

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 is a quarterly drawing by the Edvisors Foundation to win scholarships from $250 - $1,000. You can earn multiple chances for the drawing by performing simple tasks such as registering, taking surveys, and blogging.

Stafford Loans

Stafford Loans are federal student loans made directly available to 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.

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.

Parent PLUS Loan and the Graduate PLUS Loan

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.

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).

Building Student 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, The Financial Aid Podcast is free podcast published every weekday 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.