PLEASE HELP ME!!! PLUS Loan or Loan thru Sallie Mae or M&I Bank?
Is it better to use a PLUS loan with parents or a Sallie Mae/M&I bank to pay for college? This whole thing confuses me and I would like some opinions about it… pleasee!!! Answer: Always use the federal loans, such as the Stafford loan … Always use the federal loans, such as the Stafford loan (student) or PLUS loan (parent) first. They have the lowest interest rates and best terms. The maximum interest rate on the Stafford is 6.8% fixed; PLUS is 8.5% fixed. Try to stay away from what are called “alternative” loans which are education loans offered by private lenders like banks. Many of these lenders offer both the government guaranteed loans AND the alternative loans. The alternative loans have variable interest rates, some as high as credit card rates, and less consumer protections. File a FAFSA and you will have access to the Stafford and PLUS loans. The Stafford does not require a credit check and the PLUS is much easier to qualify for than a retail consumer loan.
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