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In recent years, the rising educational costs have made students to apply for student loans. A student not only has tuitions fees to pay, but also costs of books, cell phones, gas, meals and recreation.

At present, banks and financial institutions offer different types of student loans that enable you to take care of your varying college expenditures. However, you need to repay this loan within a specific period or else you have to bear extra additional costs.

Types of Student Loans:

Below discussed are different types of student loans offered by various banks and financial institutions:

Direct Student Loan: This loan comes with a fixed schedule of repayment term ranging from 6-9 months, once you complete your college or school. Often, banks offer this loan through schools to regular school students. Often, the rate of interest on this loan is less.

Guaranteed Student Loan: At times, this loan is also called as Stafford loan. It comes with a reduced rate of interest. You can apply either for a subsidized student loan or for unsubsidized student loan. In a subsidized student loan, the government comes forth to pay your interest amount, when you are in school. Next, based on your financial needs, banks offer you subsidized student loan. On the other hand, in an unsubsidized student loan, you ought to pay the interest rate, when you attend the high school. You need to start paying your principal loan amount, once you pass out from your college.

PLUS Loan: These loans are also known as Federal Parent Loan. Usually, banks do not offer this type of loan based on your earning, but some lender do consider your personal credit history. Parents or custodians with a dependent kid enrolled in high school are entitled for this loan. Usually, banks charge interest rate of 9% or less on the PLUS Loan.

Private Loan: Generally, private lending institutions offer this form of loan. If federal student loans do not cover your financial needs, consider private loans for students as a secondary source of funds. As other personal loans such as car loan or home loans, private loans are also offered based on your present credit status, therefore, if you hold good credit standing, banks approve your loan without asking any question.

If you have a bad credit, a cosigner is required to get your loan approved. Unlike other standard loans for students, this is an instant process to obtain funds. Terms and conditions vary from one lender to another, so ensure to find the best option for your financial needs.

Borrow only the amount that you need for educational purpose. Before signing on the dotted line, ensure to know all the terms and conditions applied on that loan. Whether you apply for a private or a guaranteed student loan, you have to be prompt in your loan repayment, as irregularity in loan settlement hurts your credit history. More significantly, student loan plays a vital role in your credit history, so ensure to choose the best one.