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Student loans can come from private lenders, colleges or the federal government. Federal loans are often guaranteed, which means no collateral is needed to obtain the loan. The Federal Stafford Loan is a commonly used government loan that provides low interest rates. Some Stafford Loans are based on income and others are not. Subsidized loans are based on income and the government pays interest until the student begins repayment. An unstudied loan Leaves all interest up to the student. There is also the Federal PLUS loan that parents can take out for students.
Besides the government loans there are bank loans. Loans through banks differ in payment options and interest rates. Most banks will require some form of collateral for the loan. Collateral is something that the bank will get if the loan is not paid. State loans can be more expensive than government loans and are usually handled through banks. College loans are the most costly and should only be used on an emergency basis. There are also special loans that a student may apply for based upon certain factors, like military affiliation.
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