Best Loans for Undergraduate Students in 2024

The United States currently ranks second in the world in the average tuition cost for a public university. With costs continually rising, the need for financial assistance has never been higher. Students all across the country have been turning to undergraduate student loans to help pay their way through school.

What is an undergraduate student loan?

An undergraduate student loan is a type of loan that is intended to help students pay for their undergraduate education. The loans can help students pay for the cost of their tuition, books, housing, food, and other various educational expenses.

Compared to other types of loans, student loans are designed to have lower interest rates that make it easier for students to pay them back.

They will also often have the initial payments deferred until the student graduates from school. This allows students to find a job before beginning payments.

In the United States, there are private student loans and federal student loans. Federal student loans make up the majority of loans in the United States and tend to be cheaper than their private counterparts.

How do undergraduate student loans work?

Undergraduate student loans are financial instruments designed to help students cover the costs of their education. They typically come in two main forms: federal student loans and private student loans.

Federal student loans are provided by the government and have certain advantages. To obtain them, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount students can borrow depends on factors like their financial need, dependency status, and grade level. These loans offer fixed interest rates and various repayment options, such as income-driven plans that adjust monthly payments based on income. They also provide deferment and forbearance options, allowing borrowers to temporarily pause or reduce payments in certain circumstances. Federal loans may offer loan forgiveness or cancellation programs for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as working in public service.

Private student loans, on the other hand, are offered by private lenders such as banks and credit unions. Eligibility and loan terms vary based on the lender's criteria and the borrower's creditworthiness. Private loans may have fixed or variable interest rates, and repayment options can differ from federal loans. These loans typically require a cosigner if the borrower has limited credit history or poor credit. Private loans may not offer the same borrower protections and forgiveness options as federal loans.

Both federal and private student loans require repayment, usually beginning after the student graduates, drops below half-time enrollment, or leaves school. Repayment terms, including interest rates, monthly payments, and loan duration, differ based on the loan type and specific terms of the loan agreement. It's important for borrowers to understand the terms of their loans, make timely payments, and consider their long-term financial goals when managing their undergraduate student loans.

Compare best undergraduate student loans of 2024

Below are the current rates offered by various lenders for undergraduate student programs.

How do undergraduate student loans work?

Like any other loan in the US, the process begins with a loan application. Depending on what type of loan you decide to take out, the application process can vary greatly.

For federal student loans, the process begins with the student filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The FAFSA is required for most financial aid whether federal, state, or private.

The FAFSA will take into account the income and financial situation of your parents or household. Depending on the results of the FAFSA, the potential scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid offers will come directly from the university that you’re attending.

For private student loans, filling out a FAFSA is not required. Unlike federal loans, private student loans require a credit check to ensure that you qualify. If you don’t have a high credit score or have no credit history at all, you will likely require a cosigner for your private loan. In fact, over 90% of private student loans in the US today have a cosigner.

The money from the student loans, regardless of whether you have private or federal loans, will be sent directly to your school. From here, the school will use the money for tuition, room and board, and other fees. If there is any other money left over, it will be sent directly to you for spending on other academic expenses.

When it comes to repaying the loans, most federal loans have a grace period attached to them. This means that you won’t need to begin paying the loans back until six months after you graduate. While private loan terms vary, many lenders today are also offering a grace period on their loans.

Once repayment begins, the loan works just like any other loan, accumulating interest and requiring payments every month.

What are the benefits of an undergraduate student loan?

Undergraduate student loans offer numerous benefits to borrowers.

1. Access to Education: The primary benefit of an undergraduate student loan is that it enables individuals to pursue higher education when they might not have the financial means to do so otherwise. It opens doors to educational opportunities, empowering students to expand their knowledge, skills, and career prospects.
2. Deferred Payment: Unlike most other loans, undergraduate student loans often provide a grace period during which borrowers are not required to make payments. This period extends from the time of graduation or enrollment less than half-time until a specified time (typically six months). This flexibility allows borrowers to focus on transitioning into the workforce and finding stable employment before starting loan repayments.
3. Credit History Building: Student loans offer an opportunity to establish a credit history. For many young individuals, taking out a student loan is often their first encounter with credit products. By responsibly managing their student loans, borrowers can begin building a positive credit history, which is crucial for future financial endeavors such as obtaining other loans, securing favorable interest rates, or even renting an apartment.
4. Favorable Interest Rates: Student loans, especially federal ones, tend to come with comparatively lower interest rates than other types of loans such as mortgages or vehicle loans. These favorable rates can save borrowers money over the life of the loan and make repayment more manageable. Federal student loans also offer fixed interest rates, providing stability and predictability in repayment.
5. Potential Loan Forgiveness or Repayment Options: Depending on the type of loan and career path, borrowers may have access to loan forgiveness or repayment assistance programs. For instance, public service professions, such as teaching or working for a non-profit organization, may qualify for loan forgiveness after a certain number of years of service. Additionally, federal loans offer income-driven repayment plans, which can adjust the monthly payment based on the borrower's income and family size.

Types of undergraduate student loans

1. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school, during the grace period, and during deferment periods.
2. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, interest accrues on unsubsidized loans while the student is in school, during grace periods, and during deferment periods.
3. Federal Perkins Loans: Perkins loans are low-interest federal loans for undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. These loans are awarded by the school, and not all schools participate in the program.
4. Parent PLUS Loans: These loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents can borrow these loans to cover the cost of their child's education. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required.
5. Private Student Loans: Private loans are offered by private lenders such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans are not backed by the government and typically require a credit check. Private loans may have variable interest rates and different repayment terms compared to federal loans.

How do I qualify for an undergraduate student loan?

To qualify for an undergraduate student loan, it is essential to follow these expert-recommended steps:

1. Begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Initiating your journey for federal student loans involves completing the FAFSA. This crucial form evaluates your eligibility for various types of federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. The FAFSA considers factors such as your family's income, assets, household size, and the number of family members attending college.
2. Thoroughly Review Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Once you submit the FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid award letter from your college or university. This letter comprehensively outlines the specific types of aid available to you, including federal student loans. Take the time to carefully analyze this letter, paying close attention to the terms, conditions, and repayment obligations associated with the loans being offered.
3. Deliberate and Decide: After thoroughly reviewing the financial aid award letter, it's time to make an informed decision. Consider your current financial needs and future responsibilities before accepting any loans. Remember, loans require repayment with interest, so it is crucial to borrow only what you truly need and can comfortably manage.
4. Complete Entrance Counseling: If you are a first-time borrower of federal student loans, it is mandatory to complete entrance counseling. This valuable online session provides essential information about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. It covers topics such as loan repayment, interest rates, and the consequences of defaulting on your loans. By completing entrance counseling, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your obligations and how to manage your loans responsibly.
5. Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN): To formalize your borrowing of federal student loans, you must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). This legally binding document outlines the terms and conditions of your loan, including interest rates and repayment options. It is crucial to carefully read and comprehend the terms of the MPN before signing to ensure you are fully aware of your commitments as a borrower.
6. Maintain Academic Progress: It is essential to maintain satisfactory academic progress according to your institution's standards to remain eligible for federal student loans. This typically involves meeting minimum GPA requirements and successfully completing a specified number of credits each semester. By prioritizing your academic success, you not only maintain eligibility for federal loans but also set yourself up for a bright future.