Coming to college in the United States involves a lot of expenses, and you may find yourself turning to a private loan to help you meet the financial burden. While loans can be great, it is important to understand the full financial burden of repaying them. One of the most important factors in picking a loan to help you finance your college education in the United States is understanding interest rates on student loans.
Interest is a fee that a bank requires you pay on top of the base loan amount so it can make money from the loan. Interest rates on student loans are given as yearly percentages. For example, a $1,000 loan with an interest rate of 7.5% APR (annual percentage rate) will mean a total repayment of $1,075 after one year of interest.
Stretch this out across years – even decades – of repayment, and clearly interest rates on student loans can have a huge impact on how much you pay in total. So how can you make sure you lower your interest rates on student loans?
To a certain extent, interest rates on student loans are fixed. Student loan interest rates are based off parameters set by reputable American and international banks and generally vary between about 2% and 9% APR.
But your student loan interest rates will also change based on the creditworthiness of your US cosigner. A cosigner is a financially responsible person who, by cosigning a loan, agrees to cover any costs that the original borrower can’t. Find a cosigner with a solid credit history (as an international student, you’ll need a cosigner in the US anyway) and banks will be more likely to give you a favorable interest rate on the loan.
Another way to lower the overall impact of interest costs is to repay your loan more quickly – thereby accruing less total interest. This can mean anything from paying a little more than the monthly minimum when you have the spare cash to choosing an official repayment plan that features earlier or more substantial regular payments.
Understanding interest rates on student loans is very important part of your college financing, so make sure to look into your best options before you decide on a loan!
International students who are looking to get a student loan to help pay for college will probably find themselves searching for a student loan cosigner. But finding a cosigner for your student loan can sometimes be a difficult process. Let’s break down who can be a cosigner for your student loan.
If you plan to attend college in the United States, your student loan cosigner will have to either be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident having lived in the US for the past two years, depending on the requirements of the loaning institution. How can you find this type of person if you don’t live in the United States in the first place? Try reaching out to your extended family to see if anyone has the required citizenship status. If you still can’t locate the right match, turn to trusted friends and ask if they know anyone who can help you. It can be daunting to ask someone a little less familiar to you for such a big favor as cosigning a loan, but if you’re having trouble finding the right person it may be a step you have to take.
The other major requirement of a cosigner for your student loan is that they have solid credit themselves. Since the main purpose of a student loan cosigner is to back up the loan’s repayment if the student cannot, having an established and strong credit history is an absolute must for your cosigner. This means a current stable source of income, low amount of other debt, and very few to no bad marks on credit history.
So enough with all the limitations – let’s look at the good news. Who CAN be your student loan cosigner? Well, as long as they fit the above criteria, pretty much anyone who is willing. Your cosigner doesn’t necessarily have to be a family member or even a close friend, doesn’t have to have any previous affiliation with the lender or your prospective college, and so on. So just make sure the cosigner for your student loan meets certain citizenship and credit history requirements, and you’ll be on your way to getting your loan approved!
International student loans can be a tricky prospect, especially for incoming freshmen without any experience getting them. Follow these Top 10 Student Loan Tips to help you navigate the world of international student loans!
1. Find a cosigner with established credit
Most international students must have a cosigner in order to apply for a US student loan. Because of this, it’s important to find a cosigner that has good credit history. Since these are non-collateral loans, lenders are going to evaluate the financial capability of your cosigner. Not only will a good cosigner improve the likelihood of getting a loan, but it will also land you a better interest rate and more favorable terms.
2. Don’t just consider the interest rate
The interest rate is the most important factor when evaluating an international student loan, and rightly so. But it’s not the only factor there is. A loan with a low interest rate is good, but what about any other fees or repayment terms? Thoroughly research your loan to make sure you know all the details.
3. Find loans that defer interest
One of the best student loan tips beyond low interest is finding a loan that holds off on accruing interest until you’re finished with school and ready to begin repayment (and hopefully have a job!). This can make a huge difference in the final amount that you will pay for the loan.
4. Only borrow as much as you need
This may seem like a no-brainer, but too often students don’t put enough work into projecting their schooling costs and wind up borrowing significantly more than they need. Be honest with yourself about your expected spending and make sure you only borrow enough to meet your needs (and not your wants!).
5. Pay it off as soon as possible
Another seemingly obvious strategy, but many students wait until a loan payment is due and then only pay the bare minimum to avoid default. Don’t stretch yourself too thin, but if you find yourself able to pay off part of your loan ahead of time or pay more than the minimum monthly payment, do so and get the loan off your back earlier!
6. Reassess your situation with each new loan
As you progress through school, the loan options can change due to both your cosigners credit history and the shifting financial landscape. Don’t just stick with the exact same loan terms year to year – see if you can renegotiate for better terms or even look to another lender for a better option. But at the same time…
7. Consolidate your loans as much as possible
If you already have the best terms possible with the loan you have, keep things simple and stick with the same lender. Also try to get the full amount you need through just one loan a semester. Once you’re into repayment, see if you are able to consolidate your loans into fewer repayments plans as well. Doing this will mean a lot less hassle repaying your loans once you’re out of school!
8. Consider private loans
International students may not have another option, but even U.S. citizens studying abroad or enrolling in an international school should consider the world of private loans in their loan search after they’ve maximized any government assistance. As the demand for student loans increase, private lenders are beginning to offer better and better terms to compete.
9. Find a cosigner
This step will be mandatory for most international students, so start thinking about having a cosigner long before you actually have to finalize a loan! A cosigner should be a creditworthy person close to you, such as a relative or older friend, and they should be willing to cover your payments in the unfortunate situation that you are not able to.
10. Start the process early
Just like finding a cosigner, the best thing you can do to put yourself ahead in the student loan battle in general is to get started early! You don’t want to make any final decisions before you know the specifics of your school costs and financial aid package, but it’s never too soon to look into loans and see what kind of terms are available out there for students like you.
Student loans can be a huge, confusing mess, especially for international students. But keep these Top 10 Student Loan Tips in mind and you’ll be on the road to happy repayment in no time!
Many international students will find themselves turning to loans to meet their financial needs for college. One of the most important things for these students to look into right away in the loan search is finding a cosigner. While you won’t always need a cosigner for your loan, having one ready is a big help in case you do.
So what is a cosigner? A cosigner for a loan is a trustworthy, financially sound person who backs up a loan for an individual who may not have sufficient credit history or may not be able to show good credit history. From the lending institution’s perspective, this provides peace of mind (especially since many student loans are non-collateral loans, meaning that there is capital put down in case of non-payment). If you, a young international student, have a cosigner for your loan attesting to your character and financially backing your ability to repay the loan, the institution is much more willing to give you a loan in the first place or offer more favorable terms for a loan in question.
If you are an international student, no matter which loan or lender you choose to apply with, a cosigner is required due to the relative uncertainty that comes with giving loans to people out of the country. This person has to have good credit, be a US citizen or permanent resident, and has lived in the US for the past two years.
The best way to go about finding a cosigner is to turn to friends and family. Your family is the best bet, since it will include adults with a more established financial history and it’s a good source of people wanting to help you out. A helpful friend is also a good option, though finding a friend who has the significantly better financial history typical of a cosigner may be difficult for international students.
Finding a cosigner is one of the most important things international students can do to help their loan search, so make sure to get started as soon as possible!
* Photo of proud parents kissing their kid courtesy of Shutterstock
It’s January, and international students are ringing in the New Year in the United States and in their home countries all over the world. As you look forward to what 2013 will offer, keep in mind that a New Year usually means a new semester starting up, too! And with that, it’s definitely time to think of how to get your student loans for the new semester!
If you are an international student, you will soon realize that federal loans through the U.S. government won’t be an option for many international students looking for student loans. There are, however, private student loans that international students are eligible for if they have a US cosigner (no cosigner loans are available only in select instances). This cosigner must be a US citizen or permanent resident with good credit who has resided in the US for the past two years.
Private student loans function very similarly to federal loans, with the added advantage that many private lenders open their services to international students as well as U.S. citizens. There are also rarely application deadlines (as opposed to the rigid deadlines found through the U.S. and state governments), and funds can be used to pay for those incidental educational expenses (your flight into the country, for example) which can sometimes be incurred at a higher rate by international students. Institutions granting loans to international students include both banks and specialized financial aid organizations. Make sure to look into these options early, as applying internationally may take some time.
Whether it’s continuing loans from your fall semester or seeking new ones to meet unforeseen expenses for the spring semester, now is the time to get on top of your student loans for 2013. Search for private student loans, and talk with your school’s financial aid advisor to straighten out your student loans for the new semester as soon as possible!
* New Year Money photo courtesy of Shutterstock
If you are an international student studying in the United States, you may be putting your last minute budget together before the new school year begins. When considering the many costs to fund your education – even if you don’t consider tuition – you’ll soon realize that the costs can add up fast. With travel, transportation, living expenses, room and board, and entertainment just to name a few, you may have realized that you need some extra help.
Private student loans for international students can help you make up the difference. With the new school year right around the corner, it’s not too late to apply and get approved within a few short weeks. International students should consider the funds they’ll need for the upcoming academic year, and apply for no more than the amount they need. Compare lenders to make sure you get the rates and terms that work best for you.
Remember, not all lenders work with international students – and to make matters more complicated, not all lenders that work with international students work with all schools. The international student loan comparison tool will allow you to find all the lenders that will work with you – at your school. Then, once you have a list of loans for international students, you can compare the terms and conditions, and choose the loan that’s right for you!
Studying in the United States can open many doors to international students, either at home or abroad. To make the most of your time overseas, be sure to plan ahead and think smart. If you take the time to budget ahead, you’ll be able to make the most of your education and open opportunities to your future career path.
Do you have questions about loans for international student? Contact our representatives for more information.
Are you an international student looking to apply for a loan? With the added cost of travel, living expenses, tuition, and books, students may sometimes find that they need additional financial aid to support their dream of studying overseas.
If you are going to apply for a student loan, you may find that some US lenders don’t work for international students. You may also find that if they do – lenders only work with select colleges and universities.
If you are an international, study abroad, or foreign enrolled students, we’ve made the steps to apply for an international student loan even easier. We’ve streamlined the process so that you can quickly be matched with lenders that work for you.
Here is a simple guide with the steps to apply for an international student loan:
It’s just as simple as these easy steps to apply for an international student loan. You can get initial approval as early as a few weeks of completing your application. Keep in mind, student loans require you to pay back the amount you borrow along with interest. It is important to consider all of your financial aid alternatives and maximize funding from scholarships and grants first before applying for a loan.
Compare international student loans and apply online today!
Are you confused about the financial aid jargon? If you are a student looking to get additional financing to support your education overseas, you may need help understanding the lingo. Here’s a list of financial aid definitions that commonly appear throughout the world of loans, scholarships and grants.
Is there another phrase that you’ve come across and don’t understand? Our financial aid definitions are common phrases that you’ll run across in scholarships, grants and loans – but there are many others. We have our experts ready to help you navigate the complicated world of financial aid as you study overseas.
Many international students looking to financially support their education overseas turn to US loans as a way to help fund their education. If you are in this situation and are looking to apply for an international student loan, you may have some questions about eligibility and how you can qualify.
If you want a US international student loan, the first criteria the lender will look at is if you have a US cosigner- most international students will be required to have a cosigner. Your cosigner must be a US citizen or permanent resident, with good credit, who has lived in the US for the past two years. This person is typically a family member or a close friend.
Why do you need a cosigner, you might ask?
When you take out an international student loan, you are required to not only to pay back the amount that you borrowed – but you are also required to pay an additional amount to the lender for the ability to borrow. Because international students may return to their home country and since there is a possibility that students may be unable to repay the loan, who would the lender be able to turn to for repayment?
A cosigner is legally obligated to repay an international student loan. In fact, the loan will appear on the cosigner’s credit history as an outstanding obligation. If the student fails to repay, the cosigner would have to step in and make the necessary repayments.
Overall, the cosigner is joining the loan application since an international student cannot receive such credit on his/her own. If you have questions about cosigners, feel free to ask our financial aid experts who are available to answer any questions on eligibility.
If you already have a US cosigner – you can begin comparing lenders and apply right online!
It’s May, and that means that many of you have received your acceptance letters from colleges and universities. Once you’ve narrowed down your schools and confirmed your attendance, it’s time to start thinking about your student visa and financial aid.
Many students ask us, when is a good time to apply for a loan?
If you are going to be an international student in the US, you are not eligible for US Federal Stafford loans. Instead, many students choose to apply for private student loans. The best time to apply for a loan is once you’ve received your acceptance letter from the school you plan to attend. If you are currently enrolled at a college or university, you can apply for a loan at any time.
Before you begin your application, as an international student, you will need to make sure that you have a US cosigner. To be eligible, you must have a cosigner in most cases, your cosigner must be a US citizen or US permanent resident who has lived in the US for the past two years with good credit. Most cosigners are family members or close friends as they are stating that they are responsible to pay any debts that you may be unable to afford.
You can apply each academic term for student loans. The time it takes for the approval will ultimately depend on how long it takes both the borrower and cosigner complete their documents and also on how quickly the school certifies the loan. Once your loan has been approved, the funds will be disbursed to the school and your school will then disperse the funds at the beginning of your term.
To get started, click here to compare international student lenders available at your college or university. Once you’ve found your student loan, you can apply right online.
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