Federal loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized, have an interest rate that changes with each year's loans, and tend to be more lenient with repayment. Private loans are offered by various lenders, typically have interest rates tied to credit scores, and usually are stricter with repayment.…

Questions include how do I get the Federal Direct Student Loan, how do lenders decide on the interest rate they offer each borrower, how do we pay a loan's origination fee, and how long does it usually take for a student loan application to process.…

Learn what you need to know when comparing private loan options and the steps for applying once you have decided on a lender, including visiting the lender's website, completing the application, selecting your loan, and signing the Loan Agreement with your co-borrower. …

Terms include Interest Rate, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), Repayment Term, Application and Solicitation Disclosure, and Co-Borrower. …

Learn what Fastweb is, how it got started, what sets it apart from other online scholarship platforms, how students can apply for scholarships, and examples of past success stories. …

Learn what bold.org is, what sets it apart from other online scholarship platforms, how it got started, how students can apply for scholarships, and how students have been successful in the past. …

Options include MassTransfer/Commonwealth Commitment, Tuition Break, University of Maine Flagship Match Scholarship Program, UMass Lowell Accelerated Degrees, and Clark University Accelerated BA/Master's.…

Reduce costs by taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, utilizing the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Prometric's DSST exams, registering for classes as soon as possible, and thinking carefully before changing your major. …

Three MEFA employees who have helped their own children through the college planning process provide advice on looking at schools, staying organized, keeping calm and staying balanced, applying, and paying. …

Tips include start saving, look for scholarships early, earn college credits in high school, consider community college, attend college online, and apply for financial aid. …