Student Loan Question

[razorback2009]

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For those of you who have recently taken out a student loan for dental school, or are about to do so...

I just received an acceptance, and I'm starting to look at loan options.
I have a few questions for you...

What interest rate are you looking at, and who provided your loan?

Was it easy to obtain?

Any other financial suggestions for entering first year student?

Thanks

 

[Aceofspades]

All stafford loans for graduate students are at 6.8%. Stafford has a max so if you go over (ie. private school) then you are looking at grad plus at 8.5%.

Remember that although the interest rates are equal among all lenders, the lenders aren't equal. Different lenders charge different origination fees which is easy to find out if you just ask the lender. MORE IMPORTANTLY, different lenders have different rules on loan capitalization. This information is much more difficult to find out as the lenders try to keep this a secret.

Pick the lender who capitalizes the loans the most infrequently. Yes, the loans aren't capitalized while you are in school but ask them about their after school policy. Chances are you will be paying off a 200K+ sized loan for 20+ years. Capitalization does matter.