Federal vs Private Loan Forum

Discuss various money matters here. Loans (federal and private), scholarships, lottery winnings, or other school finance related information and queries.
Post Reply
srg1027

New
Posts: 26
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2018 1:49 pm

Federal vs Private Loan

Post by srg1027 » Tue Jul 09, 2019 10:06 am

Going to law school in Fall 2019 (first year) and need a about a $10,000 loan for my first year. I know I need to fill out the fafsa to find out what type of loans I qualify for federally but I am wondering what the typical difference is when receiving a federal loan or a private loan (meaning interest rates, time to pay, deferrals). I am a 22 year old and have about 800 credit from two credit cards I have had for about 4 years. I am filling out the Fafsa now so I will be able to update on what I am offered, however right now am just wondering if somebody in my position would be better off with a government loan or private loan. Thank you!

nixy

Gold
Posts: 4446
Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2018 8:58 am

Re: Federal vs Private Loan

Post by nixy » Tue Jul 09, 2019 10:31 am

Government loan, because they have more protections than a private loan. If you go private you’re not eligible for income-based repayment plans or for public service loan forgiveness.

Government interest rates are normally higher than private, but if you end up in a high-paying job that allows you to pay your loans off quickly after you graduate, you can refinance the government loans at that time with a private lender to save money. But it’s safest not to do that until you know your employment and financial situation.

The Lsat Airbender

Gold
Posts: 1750
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2019 7:34 pm

Re: Federal vs Private Loan

Post by The Lsat Airbender » Mon Aug 12, 2019 12:29 pm

Nixy is right. You can refinance into a private loan later (if that financial sense) but you can't get back into the federal-guarantee garden once you leave it, and you might really want those protections if and when shit happens.

Post Reply

Return to “Financial Aid”