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Student Financial Services > University Collections> Student Loans

Loans and Alternatives to Student Loans

 

If you think you will need to take out a loan as part of your financial aid package, you are not alone. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that during the 1999-2000 academic year 29% of all undergraduates took out at least one student loan!

But, before you sign you should consider alternatives to student loans:

  • Scholarships - Check with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  • Grants - Check with your financial aid adviser in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  • Student Employment
    • Federal Work Study - Check with your financial aid adviser in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for your eligibility.
    • Student Assistants - Career Services is another source of part-time jobs.
    • You might consider working summers and holidays to help pay tuition and expenses.
  • Awards – May be offered by the University, religious groups, fraternities, sororities or civic groups. Check with employers and organizations connected with your field of interest. Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  • ROTC - If you are interested in the military, investigate the educational benefits of ROTC programs.
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    If you are considering a teaching career, you may qualify to have a portion of your student loan canceled, forgiven and repaid. Here are some resources that will explain these options:

    As it may not be possible for you to get through college without incurring any loan debt, you need to be knowledgeable about loan programs so that you don't leave school with debt that is greater than you can handle or that will compromise your opportunities and choices in the future.

    In order to be an informed borrower, make sure you: