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Student Loans for Summer Classes

If you want to take some summer classes, it's typically the moment when the question "How am I going to pay for it?" comes to play. However, lack of money is not a reason for giving up what you've conceived.

Many students often turn to student loans to pay for the majority of their educational expenses, including summer classes. Whatever the loan you choose – federal or private – you can spend the money you get to cover not only your fall and spring costs but also any additional classes you're willing to take. So, let's take a look at the options that students in Trempealeau County can access to pay for summer classes and find out how to apply for them.

Federal Student Loans for Summer Classes

Just like fall and spring classes, your summer classes can also be financed by federal student aid programs. Even if you've already got a federal student loan to finance your regular academic year, you can still get the funds for summer classes. However, you may need to fill out a new FAFSA application form if the understanding of a school year by your school and the Department of Education is different and stick to strict deadlines. Bear in mind that federal student loans have no "summer" option, so you'll have to decide on summer classes and apply during the regular academic year.

Federal student loans generally include:

  • Direct subsidized loans;
  • Direct unsubsidized loans;
  • PLUS loans.

Also, keep in mind that the Department of Education has limits on the amount a student can obtain using federal student aid. If you go beyond the limits, you have to search for alternative ways of financing your summer classes.

Private Student Loans for Summer Classes

Private student loans can help you get the remaining amount you need to cover your educational expenses after you get federal student aid within the set limits. They need to be considered after you get federal student aid because terms and interest rates on private loans are typically less favorable.

Most private student loans require a co-signer. It happens because private lenders pay much attention to an applicant's income and credit. As students rarely have sufficient revenue and credit score to apply for additional assistance, they have to turn to their family members to qualify.

Like any other type of loan, private student loans for summer classes may vary significantly. Therefore, before deciding on the lender, make sure you've compared at least a couple of offers and choose the one that provides the most beneficial terms.

Requirements for Getting a Student Loan for Summer Classes

Actually, student loan requirements always depend solely on the lender you work with. Eligibility criteria for federal and private loans will be different, as well as the basic qualifications for two different private loans. However, there are some things in common. Often, lenders require you to have satisfactory academic progress and may set some full-time enrollment requirements. Moreover, pay attention to the minimum loan amount you can obtain and ask the lender about a co-signer and minimum credit score requirements. Also, when you apply for a direct subsidized loan, get ready to demonstrate financial need.

How to Repay a Student Loan for Summer Classes?

Student loans for summer classes do not differ from fall or spring student loans in terms of repayment schedule. It always depends on the payment plan set by a particular lender. For example, if you've obtained a loan with repayment deferment until after graduation, you won't need to pay your loan principal or interest until you meet your lender's required enrollment. Sometimes, you can even count on a 6- or 9-month grace period after graduation, so you will have enough time to settle into a new job before you start to repay the loan.