Monday, June 30, 2008

Local Affordable College

Budget-friendly Eastern offers college within family’s reach

With food and fuel prices leading the assault, the family budget is taking heavy fire from all sides these days. And almost everywhere, the rise in college costs — a relentless foe in the battle to make ends meet — continues to launch torpedoes.

“College-cost inflation has been running around 5-percent to 8-percent a year, more than double the average inflation rate in recent years,” the Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine reported earlier this year.

To make matters worse, the current turmoil in the credit industry is leading some banks to cut back the number of college loans they make to students — and this at a time when the Department of Education estimates that “about 80 percent of the fastest-growing jobs will require at least two years of college.”

Amidst this “perfect storm” of soaring costs and shrinking credit, a local community college remains committed to providing quality college learning at an affordable price. “We offer one of the lowest in-state tuition rates of any public college or university in West Virginia,” said Amanda Sites, director of Financial Aid at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College. “So even learners who wish to transfer later for a four-year degree can save a lot on tuition and other expenses by starting college near home at Eastern.”

For those who might need financial aid, the college partners with American Education Services. “They guarantee the loans for banks that assist our students and make Eastern a safe student loan market,” Sites said.

She also pointed to a new family-friendly scholarship that actively recruits adult learners who have been away from formal schooling for some while.

“Eastern’s Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students seeks adult learners, 24 years old or older, who have a high school diploma or GED, and who plan to attend Eastern on at least a half-time enrollment basis,” Sites said. The scholarship covers tuition and other attendance fees for up to one academic year.

Source:http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_180234353.html

Monday, June 23, 2008

Student Loans with No Credit History

A good credit history is an essential prerequisite for applying for a student loan. A student with a good credit history always stands in good stead to qualify himself for a student loan. So, it is always advisable that students who go for loans keep their credit within limits.

Many lenders provide loans to students with no credit history. There are two types of student loans namely, federal student loans and private student loans. The former are backed by the US government (coming under the department of education?s federal student aid programs) and are approved based on the financial need of the student, whereas the latter are considered as personal consumer loans. Refinancing of federal student loans is possible at far lower interest rates than private loans. Private student loans are approved after checking the credit history of a student or his parents.

Usually, a student loan with no credit history does not require any income or a co-signer. But this is sanctioned only for a small credit limit. To get larger credit limit, the help of a co-signer is essential. Before taking student loans with no credit history, compare the interest rates and the fees from different lenders. You can get student loans applying online also. The documents needed include proof of your identity, and your place of employment. It is better to look for loans based on your job history. It is advisable to have a thorough check on the terms and conditions of a student loan before signing the deal.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Student-Loans-with-No-Credit-History&id=353189

Monday, June 16, 2008

Student loans money saving tips

Every year a new set of students begin their higher education, at this time many will take out a student loan to assist them financially over the term of their course.

At the time of taking out a student loan you are properly not thinking about how to save money or make your loan last longer, but there are a few tips to help you try and keep the level of debt you get into down.

A huge way to cut costs is to avoid eating out, a recent study showed just buying a sandwich and a drink can cost around £5.00, totalling a staggering £1,200 a year. The study also revealed students living in close proximately to their university still paid for bus fare, walking or cycling can save you a packet and also keep you fit.

A spokesman for students commented whilst student debt is unavoidable, the level of debt can be dramatically reduced by simple saving techniques and a little effort, many students now work part time to earn a bit more cash and also meet new people.

source:http://www.onlyfinance.com/Loans-News/12753334-Student-loans-money-saving-tips.aspx

Monday, June 9, 2008

Paying off student loans

Many college graduates are joining the work force and they're bringing thousands of dollars in student loan debt with them. Overwhelming student loan debt can stretch the salary of an entry-level job too far.

Experts say it's best to inventory the debt right away because it doesn't take long for lending companies to start knocking.

“They need to be aware of how much they borrowed and who their lender is, that's the big thing to start with,” Amy Brown, Director of Financial Aid at Pfeiffer University.

Once they graduate, Brown says they're going to be getting a lot of information from a lot of different companies about consolidation.

“They just want to be careful about who they consolidate with and what company they choose,” she said.

Students are urged to consider reconsolidation when it comes time to pay off student loan debt.
Consolidation can help you manage multiple loans but there are some things experts say you should watch for. First, consolidate with a company that already has the loan unless you can find a lower interest rate with a reputable lender, make sure you get a fixed interest rate and make sure you aren't charged any fees to consolidate.

Brown says consolidation is something you should investigate and take seriously

“You consolidate once and you can't consolidate again no matter what happens in the loan industry,” she said. “You only get that consolidation one time.”

Forbearance and deferment can also help during tough times. During a forbearance, you pay only the interest. Deferment has specific requirements but can help alleviate some financial stress.

“Your financial aid office at the school you graduated from is a really good resource to help with those decisions,” said Brown.

In addition to contacting your alma mater's financial aid office, you can find help managing your student loans through the College Foundation of North Carolina.

Source:http://news14.com/content/headlines/596366/paying-off-student-loans/Default.aspx