Federal college loans supply financial help for students enrolled at schools that participates in federal aid programs. A “school” is defined as a two-year or four-year public or private college, university, or trade school. These loans are offered by private organizations under accordance from the U.S. Department of Education through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDLP).

Federal college loans generally cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and school supplies, as well as any transportation. Loans can also help pay for technology needs (i.e., a computer) and for necessary dependent care.

There are a variety of federal college loan programs; the list that follows covers most of them. Check with your school to see which programs they participate in.

Stafford Loans are federal college 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.

Both subsidized and unsubsidized college loans are guaranteed by the Department of Education either directly or through guarantee agencies. Nearly all students are eligible to receive a Stafford Loan regardless of credit score or other financial issues. Both types offer a grace period of six-months, which means that no payments are due until six-months after graduation or three months after the borrower becomes a less-than-full-time student without graduating. Both types have a modest annual limit. The limit for the academic year beginning in 2007 is $3,500 per year for freshman undergraduate students, $4,500 for sophomore undergraduates, and $5,500 per year for junior and senior undergraduates.

The Parent PLUS College Loan is available to parents of students enrolled at least part-time in a program included within a formal list of participating post-secondary institutions. PLUS college loans differ from other federal college loans like the Stafford loan in that it can cover a larger amount of the cost of education, has a higher interest rate and the commitment is undertaken by the parent, rather than the student. PLUS college Loans are also available for graduate and professional students.

The Graduate PLUS College Loan is similar to the Parent PLUS College Loan in the way it is an unsubsidized, federally guaranteed college loan, up to the cost of education. This loan is taken out in the graduate student’s name, on his or her own signature and credit rating. Federal loan deferment and forbearance options are the same as the Stafford Loan so graduate and professional students can postpone repayment while enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program.

After graduation, many students have a series of college loans (and payments), through the Stafford, PLUS or Perkins programs. When you consolidate federal student loans into one single loan, you realize a reduced monthly payment (up to 53% less), a longer repayment term, and a fixed interest rate.

The Perkins Loan is a low-interest federal student college loan for undergraduate and graduate students. In the case of Perkins Loans, the college acts as the lender, drawing funds from a small pool of money provided by the federal government. Perkins Loans are awarded based on exceptional financial need.

Last year, there was over $31 billion in unmet financial need. You do not need to be one of the students who do not get all the financial aid they need. Search for scholarships for yourself and feel free to submit links to those that you find on your own.

Building a good credit rating can help you secure lower interest rates for private student college loans or when you decide to consolidate your student loans. Opening low interest student credit cards with low apr small credit limits is a great way to start building credit history.

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