Nearly 2 years ago I decided to take a leap and get my masters degree. After talking with a few of my co-workers, I felt like it would be a smart financial decision in the long run to complete graduate school. I applied to my alma mater because I was familiar with the school, the faculty and they had a great online program. I then filled out my FAFSA and thought I would at least be awarded something.
The award letter came in and it was graduate PLUS loan. I was happy that I had money to start school however, after researching it seems as if you can never pay them off and the interest rates on this type of loan are ridiculous. I was running out of time, busy with a new baby and felt like I had no better choice or time to find one, so I went through with securing my first years loans through the national lender. However, throughout the school year I was getting statements, accruing large amounts of interest and just really sad with how much I was spending compared to how little it appeared I would be making.
I decided to do some shopping around after my first year of graduate school and I came across College Ave Student Loans. They offered many things that were in line with my expectations of a lender.
- Graduate students who qualify save on average $1,200.00 compared to the Federal Direct Plus Loan Program. Savings are key to life.
- They offer a lower fixed interest rate for those students with qualifying credit scores with no origination fee.
- The graduate student calculator to compare College Ave Student Loans to Federal Direct Plus Loans.
This process was much easier and so much more informative than my first time applying for financial aid. I am eager to receive my award letter for this upcoming semester and see the difference in interest rates and payment schedules. I wish I would have known about College Ave Student Loans before I started my graduate program. They just made my life simpler.
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post but my opinions and experiences are all my own.
