Proper education is an asset everyone should have; unless you are Mack Zuckerberg with the next big idea and a very high IQ, then maybe you do not need it. Unfortunately, not everyone is Mark, and not everyone can afford a decent college education, thanks to our system and educational structure. However, there are student loans that have been the shoulder that millions of students have stood on to afford a decent education.
According to the Education Data Initiative, student financial aid statistics indicate that 83.8% of college students benefit from some form of financial aid. This figure is staggering and goes to show how much help student loans have been.
So in this article, we will take a look at what a student loan is, with specific emphasis on Citizens Bank student loans. We will also discuss how one can qualify for it and so much more.
Table of contents
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are financial tools designed to help individuals cover the costs of higher education, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. These loans are typically offered by government entities, private financial institutions, or educational institutions themselves. Students and their families can borrow a certain amount of money to fund their education, and these funds must be repaid over time, usually with interest.
Types of Student Loans
There are two main types of student loans:
- Federal Student Loans: These are loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education. They usually have fixed interest rates and various repayment options. The most common types include direct subsidized loans, direct unsubsidized loans, and direct PLUS loans.
- Private Student Loans: These are loans offered by private lenders such as banks or credit unions. Interest rates for private student loans can be fixed or variable, and terms and conditions vary widely depending on the lender. Private loans often require a credit check, and the interest rates may be influenced by the borrower’s creditworthiness.
Repayment of student loans typically begins after the borrower completes their education or drops below a half-time enrollment status. Federal loans often come with flexible repayment plans, including income-driven repayment options.
Borrowers must understand the terms of their loans, including interest rates, repayment schedules, and any available deferment or forbearance options. Proper financial planning and understanding the terms of the loans can help individuals manage their student loan debt effectively.
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Why Choose Citizens Bank For Your Private Student Loan?
Citizens Bank has an established track record of deep credibility and broad expertise, with more than 40 years in the student loan business. Over that time, they’ve developed a network of close relationships with college financial aid offices and other student financial aid professionals, which greatly benefits their borrowers.
What is Multi-Year Approval?
Citizens offer multi-year approval because we are committed to staying with you through graduation. Multi-year approval provides an easy way to secure funding for additional years in school without needing a hard credit inquiry for subsequent applications in those later years. When you apply, you will be presented with the total amount you are eligible to borrow for all the years you are in school.
If approved, you will be notified after you have submitted your application. This feature is available for both Citizens Student LoanTM and Citizens Student Loan™ for Parents. Please note: International students are not eligible for multi-year approval.
Where Can I Apply For The Citizens Scholarship?
For more information on the current Citizens Scholarship, please visit the Citizens Scholarship page. Other FAQs relating to the Citizens Scholarship can be found here.
What Kind of Credit Is Required For A Citizens Student Loan?
We will need to see a reasonably strong credit history derived from your credit score. If you do not have a sufficient credit history, you should apply with a creditworthy co-signer.
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How Do I Apply For Citizens Student Loans?
All you need to do is fill out the quick and easy online application. Before you apply, make sure you have the following items available so you can easily complete your application:
How Much Can I Borrow With A Citizens Student Loan?
You may borrow up to the maximum qualified loan amount or the total cost of education, whichever is lower. Our student loan does have lifetime aggregate limits (including both federal and private loan debt) of:
- Minimum: $1000
- Undergraduate: $150,000
- Graduate Degrees: $150,000
- MBA and Law: $225,000
- Healthcare: $180,000 or $350,000 depending on your degree
How To Apply For Student Loans: Federal and Private
Applying for federal student loans
Receiving federal student loans like Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans starts with completing the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You can perform the entire process online at the FAFSA website. Some loans are awarded based on your family’s financial needs, so you’ll want to gather the following pieces of personal and financial information when applying:
- Name, date of birth, and address
- Social Security and driver’s license numbers
- Federal tax returns, including W-2 tax forms and other recent records showing the income earned by you, your spouse, and your child (if the child is a dependent)
- Federal student aid PIN number, which will allow you to access the application and sign the form
- Name of school (up to 10 can be listed on the application)
Next, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report, which outlines your expected family contribution (EFC). The form will automatically be forwarded to the schools listed on your application. The financial aid offices of those institutions will send you a financial aid offer letter outlining the aid package they will offer. It’s your job to compare those offers and choose the school that best fits your future goals and family budget.
Lastly, accept the financial aid package from your chosen school if you choose to receive aid. Your financial aid offer letter will have an itemized list of all available types of aid, including grants and federal student loans.
Remember, even after you’ve accepted your offer letter, you should check with your school’s financial aid office to see what other forms or documents you will need to complete in order to secure your funding (for example, completing your Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, or MPN).
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What types of federal loans can I get?
The federal government issues three types of student loans:
- Direct Subsidized: Available to undergraduate students with financial need, direct subsidized loans offer more financial assistance than loans that are unsubsidized, in most cases. Your college determines the amount you can borrow; the amount just can’t exceed your financial needs. The U.S. Department of Education foots the bill for the interest on a direct subsidized loan while you’re in school.
- Unsubsidized: Available to undergraduate and graduate students, and there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. Borrowers are responsible for paying the interest that accrues on a direct, unsubsidized loan. If you choose to not pay the interest while you are in school or during forbearance periods, interest will grow and be added to the principal amount of your loan.
- Plus Loans: Often referred to as a Parent Plus loan, direct PLUS loans are federal loans that graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for college or graduate school. Here’s a tip: before applying for a PLUS loan, be sure you’ve filled out your FAFSA form. Curious about the financials? The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.
Applying for a private student loan
While every private lender has its own application process for private student loans, they all require similar information from applicants. Here is a list of information you’ll likely need to provide when applying for a private student loan:
- Name of school
- Driver’s license number
- Social Security number (or Alien ID number for permanent residents)
- Gross monthly income and one most recent paystub
- Employer name, phone number, and length of employment (if applicable)
- Monthly rent or mortgage payment
- Anticipated graduation date (MM/YYYY)
- The loan amount requested
- Loan period for which funds are needed (can be an entire academic year or a single semester)
- Co-signer name and valid email address
- Student borrower reference (name, address, and phone number of someone who is not your co-signer)
Some private student loan lenders may ask you to submit documents to verify some of this information. Once approved, all lenders require you to sign a promissory note that details every aspect of the loan you’re taking out.
Once you’ve accepted the loan and signed all your documents, the lender will typically send the funds directly to your school. If you requested additional funds for school-certified expenses, check with the financial aid office at your school to find out how they handle those funds.
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Tips before you begin your private student loan application
Before you fill out your application for loans, it can be helpful to get all your ducks in a row. Below are a few “ducks” that will help make your application process more streamlined.
Finding a cosigner, or endorser
Not all private student loans require a cosigner, sometimes referred to as an endorser. If you have little to no credit history, haven’t built sufficient credit history, or have a negative or poor credit score, you may need a cosigner on your student loan.
Researching rates
This step is a “must-do” on your checklist. The interest rates for a government loan are fixed and usually lower than that on private loans. For private loans, speak to a loan officer at a bank or at the school you choose to attend. Also note that with variable and fixed loans, the rates are affected. Variable-rate student loans adjust the interest rate at a determined frequency (monthly or annually) over the course of the loan term.
Fixed-rate student loans are exactly how they sound, offering the same interest rate over the loan term. Compare offers from multiple lenders to see which will offer you the lowest interest rate, and check whether your degree program or state affects the type of loan you are offered.
Improving credit
Often, the rate you qualify for with your student loan can depend on your creditworthiness. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you’ll likely receive. Keep in mind that no matter how good your credit score is, certain loan programs always ask for a cosigner for undergraduate borrowers.
Once you’ve done all your homework on how to apply for a student loan, you may feel ready to apply. Keep in mind the turnaround times for federal and private student loans. Processing times for private student loans can take up to a few weeks, so ensure that you apply in advance of when your tuition bills are due.
FAQs On Citizens Bank Student Loans
Students attending four-year, Title IV public or private institutions. Two-year schools, community colleges, and for-profit schools are not eligible.
The maximum loan amount ($150K) or the total cost of education, whichever is lower. Our lifetime debt limit includes federal and private loans combined.
Our student loans have no origin, application, or disbursement fees, with no penalty for paying more than the minimum or paying it off early.
With an eligible cosigner (usually a parent or close family member), you’re more likely to get approved for a bigger loan and a lower rate. 99% of our undergrads
Conclusion
Citizens Bank Student Loans stand out as a reliable and flexible financial solution for those seeking to invest in education. With competitive interest rates, diverse repayment options, and a commitment to supporting students on their academic journeys, Citizens Bank provides a solid foundation for individuals and families navigating the complexities of financing higher education.
As you embark on this important chapter, consider the benefits and features offered by Citizens Bank to help you achieve your educational goals with confidence. Make informed decisions, explore the available resources, and pave the way for a successful academic future with Citizens Bank Student Loans.”
References
- www.citizensbank.com – Frequently Asked Questions: Student Loans
- educationdata.org – Financial Aid Statistics
