After graduating from college, continuing education through a graduate school is an excellent option for many. Perhaps you want to become more competitive in the job market, desire to explore a new field, or even move to a higher pay grade. Regardless of why you want to go to graduate school, the how can be decidedly more complicated. Is Graduate School Right for Me? There is no “one size fits all” answer to this question. While four-year degrees are satisfactory for many majors and careers, other fields may highly encourage or require grad school to achieve career goals, particularly in specific areas such as …
The Financial Aid Office: How they can Help and What to Ask
LendKeyAlthough college can be expensive, financial assistance is available and could greatly reduce the cost of pursuing higher education. Did you know that 85% of college students in the United States receive financial aid? As many students flock to their financial aid office every year to be a part of that 85%, some may find themselves not knowing what questions to ask their financial aid office or even how to get started with obtaining financial assistance, which is why we’re letting you know how the financial aid office can help you. What Is a Financial Aid Office? A financial aid office …
Beware of These 5 Private Student Loan Myths
LendKeyIf you hope to earn higher wages in an entry-level position, completing your college degree is key. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data suggests that when education levels increase, so do potential earnings. For example, entry-level positions that only require a high school diploma or equivalent pay a median annual wage of $37,930. Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree were nearly double that at $75,440. But higher education costs can be a barrier to earning a college credential. Scholarships, federal student loans, and grants may not be enough to pay tuition and other college expenses. Fortunately, private student loans are …
Federal vs. Private Student Loans: 4 Key Differences
LendKeyIt’s the words high school seniors around the country anxiously wait months to read: “Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you admission to…” Whether received via U.S. Mail or email, these words of college acceptance can be life-changing for both you and your student. While your recent high school graduate eagerly prepares for their first year at their dream college, you’ve been in the background running the numbers. And the news isn’t good. Scholarships and grants won’t cover the cost of the first semester, let alone the first year. The money you’ve set aside in a college savings fund helps, …
Community College and Student Loans: What you Need to Know
LendKeyA community college can be a great place to earn transferrable credits at a significantly lower cost than at many four-year colleges or universities. According to the Community College Research Center, about 34% of undergraduate students in 2017 attended two-year colleges—and for a good reason. Community colleges offer associate degree programs, allowing students to fast-track their way into fulfilling and rewarding careers in various fields. Perhaps your end goal is to obtain an associate degree. Or, maybe you’re planning on transferring to a four-year program down the road. Regardless, community college offers some excellent opportunities for you. Even with the comparatively low cost of …
How to Avoid Capitalized Student Loan Interest
LendKeyInterest is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of student loan repayment- and the concept of capitalized interest can be especially confusing. But you could potentially save yourself thousands of dollars over the repayment period of your student loans by knowing what capitalized interest is and how to avoid it. What is Capitalized Interest? Capitalized interest refers to a process where the unpaid or outstanding interest on your student loan is added to your total loan balance and as a result, you pay interest on that new amount. For example, while you’re in school, your lender may not require …
Why Women Carry More Student Loan Debt Than Men
LendKeyCollege students in America are taking on more student loan debt than ever before. In fact, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) finds that “about 44 million borrowers in the United States holds about $1.46 trillion in student debt.” Of that debt, women account for about $929 billion—which is nearly two-thirds of the total student loan balance in the United States. Of course, there are a number of reasons that may explain the disparity between female and male student loan debt. All of this isn’t to say that if you’re a woman preparing for college, you’re automatically doomed to …
Student Loans for Pharmacy School: What You Need to Know
LendKeyIf you’re looking for a career in the health field that is both fulfilling and generally well-compensated, pursuing a pharmacy degree can be a great decision. According to PayScale.com, the current average salary for a graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is $121,000 per year. Jobs can range anywhere from a pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, or pharmacy director to pharmacy manager or hospital pharmacy director. However, pharmacy school itself is six years long and can be quite pricy. Today we’re going to discuss student loans specifically as they apply to pharmacy school. Pharmacy Degrees and Student Loans While pursuing …
How to Ask Someone to Cosign a Student Loan
LendKeyThese days, paying for college can be stressful. Even though both federal and private student loans are available, meeting the qualification requirements for these isn’t always easy. This may be especially true if you’re pursuing a graduate degree. Often as a graduate student, you are expected to “fend for yourself” and receive little-to-no help from family. Even qualifying for undergraduate loans or student loan refinancing may not be easy. This could leave you feeling stuck with high-interest rates or other unfavorable repayment terms. The good news is that with private student loans, federal student loans, and student loan refinancing, you …
Things to Consider When Exploring Private Student Loans
LendKeyIf you need to borrow money to afford college, you’re not alone. Today, more than 44 million people in the United States hold some form of student loan debt, and the total student loan debt balance nationwide hovers around $1.5 trillion. The good news? There are plenty of student loan options available, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. And while Federal loans still make up the majority of student loan debt in America, it is estimated that about 11% of today’s student loans come from private lenders. Not sure whether a private student loan is …
Student Loans for Graduate School
LendKeyAfter graduating from college, many people choose to continue their education through a graduate program. Some do it to become more competitive in the job market. Others go to graduate school as a result of a change in their personal interests or situation and use it as a way to break into a new field. Some are hoping to use graduate school as an opportunity to get promoted and move into a higher pay grade at work. Regardless of why you want to go to graduate school, the how can be decidedly more complex. Grad school is expensive. Even if …
Your Guide to Covering College Living Expenses
LendKeyFrom registering for classes to taking out student loans to covering your tuition, preparing for college is quite a process. Unfortunately, many college students overlook the importance of planning for day-to-day living expenses, which can put them in a tricky financial situation when the academic year kicks off. While tuition, room, and board will likely be your biggest expenses throughout college, smaller living expenses add up. With this in mind, it’s best to budget for these costs and have a plan for covering them while you’re in school. By preparing for your college living expenses now, you can better enjoy …