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Applying for loans that will give you the funds you need to attend a college or university of your choice is not as difficult as you might think. The application forms you need are available on the government website and at the student aid offices of all colleges and universities. The guidance counselor at your high school can also get you the application form you need to apply for student aid.

The FSA (federal student aid) programs are the largest source of funding in the country to enable students to pursue a post-secondary education. In order to receive financial aid, you need to demonstrate that you need it. All you have to do when applying for a loan is to submit an FAFSA application form as soon as possible after January 1 of the year you plan to attend college. You do need to have a Social Security number and register for Selective Service if you are a male.

You do need to take the step of applying for loans each year you are in college. The amount of funding you receive depends on how much financial need you have as determined by your income and that of your parents. It also depends on the cost of the tuition and books and whether or not you have to live away from home to attend college. There are various loan programs and grants that you can apply for, as well as scholarships. Getting grants and scholarships cuts down on the amount of money you have to repay when you finish college.

The information you provide on the initial FAFSA application helps to calculate the amount of money your family has to contribute to your college education. After the first year of college, you can just resubmit the application directly online. To do this you need to have a PIN, so that you can access the information and make any necessary adjustments.

Applying for loans does not just apply to students. Parents can also apply for loans to get the money for their children’s education. These loans mean that your parents have to start making payments while you are in college, bur with student loans you get, you don’t have to start the repayment process until you graduate or leave college.