Q: I am getting ready to go back to college. I have been out of the college mode for over 15 years now, and am wondering if there are any special continuing education student loans that I may qualify for to help cover my living expenses?
A: For returning to college and/or going back to college to obtain additional degrees, students are encouraged to begin with free money options (such scholarships and grants) and federal financial aid for covering college expenses. Use a free college scholarship search to find college scholarships that relate to your qualifications and major. Scholarships (and grants) provide you with money for college which unlike student loans will not have to be repaid.
Visit www.fafsa.gov and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Filing a FAFSA is easy and free, and is the only way to apply for federal financial aid for college, including federal student loans, federal grants, and more. For students going to Graduate School, you also have the option of a Graduate PLUS loan. If you have exhausted your federal financial aid options and free money options for college, and are still in need of more money to cover your college expenses you can consider a private student loan. Private student loans are based on credit, and each lenders private loan products are different. Some lenders may offer Continuing Education Student Loan products, while others may not.
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