1. What Are Student Loans?  Student loans are funds borrowed to pay for higher education costs, to be repaid with interest.

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2. Types of Loans: Federal loans offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options, while private loans may have variable rates. .

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3. Federal vs. Private: Federal loans often have better terms and protections compared to private student loans.

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4. Applying for Loans: Complete the FAFSA to apply for federal student loans and explore private loan options through lenders.

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5. Interest Rates: Federal loan interest rates are fixed, while private loans may have variable or fixed rates based on credit.

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6. Repayment Options: Federal loans offer multiple repayment plans, including income-driven options to fit your budget.

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7. Grace Period:  Most federal loans provide a six-month grace period after graduation before repayment starts.

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8. Deferment and Forbearance:  Temporary postponement of payments is available for federal loans in cases of financial hardship.

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9. Loan Forgiveness: Certain federal loans offer forgiveness programs for public service workers or teachers.

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10. Managing Debt: Budgeting, making extra payments, and exploring consolidation can help manage student loan debt.

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11. Loan Consolidation: Combine multiple federal loans into one with a fixed interest rate for simplified repayment.

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12. Avoiding Default: Stay on top of payments to avoid default, which can negatively impact your credit and financial future.

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