When we discussed student loans, you mentioned federal and private student loans. But what is a Federal Student Loan?
Federal student loans are funded by the federal government. They have a fixed rate of interest, and their terms and conditions are set by law.
Students with a financial need may even qualify for a subsidized loan, in which the government pays a portion of the interest.
And what is a Private Student Loan?
Private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, etc. Their terms and conditions are set by the lender.
The rate of interest could be fixed or variable, and is usually higher than the rate on federal student loans. Most private student loans are not subsidized.
Is there a difference in the eligibility for Federal and Private Student loans?
Most students are eligible to get a Federal student loan as they do not require credit checks or a cosigner.
Private student loans on the other hand are approved based on credit history, so the loan application can greatly benefit from having a cosigner with a good credit score.
Is there a difference in the repayment terms between Federal and Private Student loans?
The duration of the loans are similar – typically 10 years.
However, with a federal student loan, you start paying back your student loan after graduation, with the possibility of a 6-month grace period that gives you enough time to find a job before you’re burdened with debt repayment.
For many private student loans, the payment can start while you are still in college.
Are there any other differences between Federal and Private Student loans?
Federal Student loans do not have any prepayment penalties, and some portion of your loan can be forgiven if you work in public service.
For Private Student loans, prepayment penalties depend on the terms of the loan, and typically, there is no loan forgiveness.
Podcast: Federal Student Loans vs Private Student Loans Comparison
Fun, informative and concise episodes by a 10-year old, breaking down complex financial concepts in a way that kids and beginners can understand. Episodes cover personal finance topics like saving, investing, banking, credit cards, insurance, real estate, mortgage, retirement planning, 401k, stocks, bonds, income tax, and more, and are in the form of a conversation between a cowboy (a finance novice) and his friend, a stock broker. Making finance your friend, only at Easy Peasy Finance.
A little bit about me: I have been fascinated with the world of personal finance since I was 6! I love to read personal finance books, and keep myself updated on the latest by reading various personal finance magazines. My friends often ask me questions about finance because they find it complex and intimidating. That’s what inspired me to start my YouTube channel called Easy Peasy Finance when I was 8, and this podcast 2 years later.
omprehensive comparison of federal student loans and private student loans: What is a Federal Student Loan, What is a Private Student Loan, Is there a difference in the eligibility for Federal and Private Student loans, Is there a difference in the repayment terms between Federal and Private Student loans, and Other differences between Federal and Private Student loans.
Show notes and transcript at: https://www.easypeasyfinance.com/comparison-federal-student-loans-vs-private-student-loans/
