Preparing and paying for college can be one of the biggest challenges that you and your child will face. The United States Department of Education administers federal education policies, including student loans. The below information is provided to help you prepare for this journey.
How do I help my child prepare academically and/or financially for college?
You can help your child make informed decisions about his or her college education. The U.S. Department of Education has prepared a checklist that provides information and guidance on how you can best help your child be prepared.
Checklists for Academic and Financial Preparation | Federal Student Aid
College Affordability and Transparency Center
Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center | Internal Revenue Service
Below are links to federal student grant, loan and work study programs as well as private loan programs:
Types of Financial Aid: Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs
Grants for College | Sallie Mae
The Congressional Research Service has also provided several reports on financial aid for students. Below are the links to these reports:
Financial Aid for Students: Online Resources
Campus-Based Student Financial Aid Programs Under the Higher Education Act
The Campus-Based Financial Aid Programs: Background and Issues - EveryCRSReport.com
The State of Virginia has the Virginia529 College Savings Plan that assists students of any age in reaching their higher education goals. Below is a link to this program:
Virginia529 College Savings Plan | Virginia.gov
How do I apply for a federal student loan or federal grant?
In order for any student to receive federal financial aid, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed. Additional information and applications for loans or grants can be completed on-line through the Department of Education website.
What happens if I cannot make my payments or if I default on my federal student loan?
It is extremely important not to default on any loan, as defaulting on a federal student loan will impact your credit history. Eventually, your wages may be garnished as a result of defaulting on a student loan. It is therefore very important to contact your loan servicer and the Department of Education before a default occurs.
There are several programs available through the Department of Education that may help to make your loan repayment more affordable including Income Based Repayment Plans or Loan Consolidations. Under some circumstances, your loan may be forgiven or deferred. Please click here for information that may be helpful if you need assistance with your loan payment options and programs.
Interested in public service?
Federal assistance programs seek to encourage people to work in geographic areas or professions where there’s a particular need (such as doctors in underserved areas); encourage underrepresented groups to enter a particular profession; and provide aid in exchange for services provided (such as military service).
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AmeriCorps Education Award - Volunteers who complete one year of service receive an education award for current higher education expenses or to repay student loans.
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Army Tuition Assistance - Additional benefits for Army personnel.
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Bureau of Health Workforce - Scholarships and loans to needy health profession students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Indian Health Service - Scholarships for American Indian/Alaskan Native health profession students and loan repayment for persons working inIHSfacilities.
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National Health Service Corps - Scholarships and loan repayment for health profession students who agree to work in underserved areas.
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC):
United States Military Academies:
Aid for private K-12 education:
Repaying your loans
After college, the federal government has ways to help you repay your student loan. Eligibility depends upon the type of loan, when it was made, and whether it’s in default. Check with your loan officer to find out if you qualify.
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Sometimes loans may be canceled in exchange for public service.
If you are having problems with your loan and all other approaches fail, contact the Department of Education’s Office of the Ombudsman.
Other helpful hints:
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In addition to the resources that are available through the U.S. Department of Education, you should check with the finance office of colleges that interest you to determine if additional non-federal financial aid is available. Examples include scholarships, private grants, and tuition discounts.
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In some cases, commercial lending options may be more suitable to your situation than FAFSA loans. You should explore this option with your financial institution to determine if this is an option for you.
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Many social or professional organizations provide educational finance assistance. If you are involved with any organization such as an alumni club or other social or professional organization, you should check to see if financial assistance is available.
My office is always available to assist you with issues that you may be experiencing with your student loans. If you cannot find the answer to your questions through these links or would like my office to contact the Department of Education on your behalf, please complete my privacy release form. My staff will be happy to provide you with all possible assistance.
Casework is handled in my district offices and is assigned according to location.
