America is thought to be the world-leader in higher education, which is indeed very dear in this country. If you are looking for a method to pay for your college or for the higher studies of your girl or son, the best shortcut is to discover a well off relative and ask him/her for a little assistance!

But, the fact is that you do not need to do so as the federal government offers a massive number of attractive student loan programs for all people who wish to study further but can't afford it.

Following is a top level view of some of the major undergraduate student loans supplied to the needy in the US:

Perkins Loan

Popular for its lowest interest rate, usually fixed at five percent, Perkins loans can be availed by both, graduates as well as the undergraduates. The repayment period is extended to as long as 10 years. This loan is very attractive for students who want to pursue a career in public service fields, such as the military, law, non-profit jobs, and teaching, as the loan is discharged by the governing body in this example. Critical things to remember are first, these loans are provided to the applicants on the first-come-first serve basis and 2nd, the concerned school/college acts as the lender.

PLUS Loans

PLUS Loans are offered to graduates and undergraduates, who are signed up at least half-time. They are usually granted directly by the government. Though these loans have a cap of 7.9%, the rates charged are flexible. However, the loans that are distributed by the government through college or personal lenders charge a loan rate of 8.5%. Besides, a further fee is required to be paid by the borrower. The repayment period is extended to 10 years and the scholar must start the payment of monthly installments within sixty days of the disbursement of the final loan.

Stafford Loans

Like the positive Loans, these loans can be availed to graduates and undergraduates who are enrolled in class at least half-time. Usually, the amount of the loan that will be partially subsidized by the govt depends mostly on the money wishes of a student. The scholar is required to start the loan repayment six months after graduation, while the entire interest is paid by Uncle Sam in the school/college years.

However, the 6-month introductory period is not allowed in case the coed applies for an unsubsidized bad credit loans. The IR charged on these loans, both backed and unsubsidized, is capped at 6.8%, while their repayment period varies from ten to twenty-five years.

How to Apply?

If you want to apply for any of these loans, you must first apply for FAFSA, the Free Application for Fed. Student aid. However, applying for it does not guarantee you the loan. The loan amount will be granted to you by the government based primarily on your financial condition and wants. To get all of the details and avoid any last-minute confusions, get in touch with a financial help counselor or a loan officer from a lending institution.