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Loan Options

YOU ARE ALMOST THERE! Now you have learned about financial aid, determined for which you may be eligible, and filled out all those applications. Soon you should be receiving your financial aid award letter from the colleges you are considering. At this point, many students are excited about starting college and accept the award package without fully understanding their options and responsibilities. Before accepting the package, there are a few more steps that we recommend.

Not all student loan lenders are the same.

Just like any major purchase, you should do your own research as to who offers you the best product for the best price. Lenders differ in the service provided, the borrower benefits, the cost of originating the loan, and other factors. To understand the important considerations when choosing a lender, click here.

Most schools offer a choice of lenders from which you can get your student loans. However, certain schools that participate in the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) do not typically allow a choice of lenders. The following schools in Georgia are currently participating in the FDL program:

Schools Participating in the FDL Program
Albany State University Columbus State University
Georgia Southern University Georgia State University
Interdenominational Theological Center Mercer University
Morehouse College Paine College
Piedmont College Savannah College of Art & Design
Savannah State University University of Georgia
University of West Georgia  

If your school of choice is listed above, you should not apply for student loans through this site. Please speak with the Financial Aid Officer at your college for more information about applying for student loans.

If you are not sure, ask the Financial Aid Officer at your college.

If you don't fully understand your Financial Aid Package or the process of applying for and receiving these funds, visit the Financial Aid Office at your college of choice. To find contact information for your college of choice, click here.

Make sure you are borrowing responsibly.

Student loans are serious business. You need to think about how much you are borrowing and whether you will be able to afford paying off these loans. Our SLOPE calculator is a powerful and fun tool to help you decide how much you should borrow based on your career choice.

Ready for the next step?

Proceed to Enjoy College & Know Your Responsibilites