Total Higher Education
A nonprofit lender
Before Entering School - Educate Yourself
A higher education is a great investment, but it is also a huge financial undertaking. Making smart choices about how you finance that education – from what lenders you pick to how much you borrow each year – will make a big difference in how much and how long you’ll be paying back your loans.
Education financing topics that fit this phase in your enrollment are listed below. A variety of resources are available by topic or by format.
When it comes to paying for school, you have a lot of options. And, depending on your situation, some options make more sense than others. Think of it like a ladder: Start with the funding options that cost the least (or nothing, like scholarships and grants), and work your way up.
A Five-Minute FAFSA
A quick introduction to the FAFSA form, with helpful hints and advice!
Bright Ideas: Evaluating a Lender
How to evaluate a lender and why it matters.
How To Fund an Education
Learn the basics of financing a higher education, from FAFSA through lender selection.
Ladder of Successful Borrowing
A guide to loans, their basic features and the order in which they should be used.
How much student loan advertising have you received this past year? If you are like many students, you’ve probably seen a lot of offers coming your way. Feeling empowered in your decision-making will help you choose the best option. It’s never too late to evaluate a lender. Evaluating means asking the right questions.
Bright Ideas: Evaluating a Lender
How to evaluate a lender and why it matters.
How To Fund an Education
Learn the basics of financing a higher education, from FAFSA through lender selection.
Your loan is an investment. Borrowing only the amount you need and sticking to a budget will go a long way toward preventing financial stress in the future. Your school establishes the cost of education (COE) based on a number of criteria (tuition, cost of living in the area, room and board, etc.). As a student, you are not required to borrow the full COE amount.
Bright Ideas: Gauge Your Debt
Determine your repayment ability so you can gauge your borrowing.
Estimated Payment and Loan Cost
Use this calculator early in enrollment to stay on top of your student loan obligations. See an estimate of the monthly payment options and associated loan cost you could have based on the balance you enter.
Financial Fitness
Find easy ways to modify your in-school budget.
Long-Term Cost of What You Borrow Today
Shows savings in total loan cost when you borrow $5,000 less per year.