There are so many institutions and banks that you can consider when you want to take a student or college loan. All of these lenders have their own merits and demerits, and there are some factors you need to consider to help you decide who the right lender is. Here are a few factors to put into consideration
The Type of Loan The Lender Offers
Every institution that lends does so in different packages. You have to take a look at the kind of programs for student loans that are being offered by a particular institution or a lender before you can make a decision to apply to them for a student loan. Take a look at whether they provide private undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate loans.
Fee Inclusions
Be keen on the kind fees that might be included in the student loan. It is common for other costs to be added to the process when you are taking a loan from a private lender. This is what they refer to as origination fee, and it is different from lender to lender. You might also want to know whether any penalties are associated with this loan regarding early repayment. Before you get into any loan agreement, make sure you know everything you need to know about any fees that you might have to pay as a result of taking this student loan.
Interest Rates
It is very wise to understand the interest rates that come with the particular type of loan that you are taking. Most students prefer federal loans because the interest rates are very low. When borrowing a loan from a private lender, the interest rates depend on your credit scores and the overall agreements that you will come to with the lender. You also need to understand whether the interest rates will be fixed of the variable. A fixed interest rate is the better option when it comes to loan repayment.
Does The Lender Offer Borrower Incentives?
It is a common practice especially for private lenders to offer borrower incentives, and this is even more particular on student loans. Incentives are some of the perks that are meant to motivate people to take loans. Some of these perks include lowering the interest rates If you keep paying on time or if you had agreed to have the amount you are mean to pay every month automatically removed from your account.