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  Parent Resources

Learning the Loan Process
 

Choosing a Lender
  •  Evaluating Lenders
   
Considering a Cosigner

Borrowing Responsibly

Exploring Private Loans

Applying for Loans

Understanding Loan Counseling

Repaying Student Loans

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Choosing a Lender

Benefits
| Service | Preferred Lender List | One Lender |
Sallie Mae Lenders


Choosing your lender carefully before borrowing can mean a less expensive and more manageable loan throughout repayment.

Managing your student loans will be easier if you use one lender for all your student loan needs.

It is your right and responsibility to chose the lender for your student loans.

Benefits of Sallie Mae Lenders

Although the basic interest rate on federal loans (Stafford, Parent PLUS, Graduate PLUS, and consolidation loans) is the same from lender to lender. This savings may be in addition to loan balance reductions and interest rate benefit programs awarded for demonstrating responsible repayment behavior.

Service

Sallie Mae lenders offer superior service. For example, students and parents who borrow from Sallie Mae lenders will also receive:

  • Responsive, customer-oriented service
  • Toll-free customer service lines
  • Online access to account information
  • Account information available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • A variety of repayment options designed to meet borrower needs

Preferred Lender List

Most schools have a preferred lender list. Ask the Financial Aid Officer (FAO) at your school for their list of preferred lenders for FFELP and private loan programs. The school's preferred lender list contains lenders that:

  • Are trustworthy, reliable, and have proven track records.
  • Offer attractive loan terms and benefits to borrowers.
  • Provide excellent service to the borrower.

You do not have to pick a lender from the list, but it's a good idea, if you want to ensure your application is processed in a timely and accurate manner.

Remember, you do not have a choice of lenders for loans under the Federal Perkins or Federal Direct Loan Programs.

One Lender

You can get all your loans—both federal and private—from one source when you borrow from Sallie Mae. The advantages of having one lender are:

  • One bill, with all loan payments compiled
  • One place to send payments
  • One lender to keep updated
  • One source for assistance

Sallie Mae Lenders

Choose a Sallie Mae lender and take advantage of Sallie Mae’s servicing and borrower benefits. These lenders are:

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Questions to Ask When Choosing a Lender

Compare these items when selecting your lender:

Interest rates and terms
Borrower benefits
Repayment plans
Level of service
Online account access capability

Tip

Take advantage of debt management programs, entrance and exit counseling, and other resources schools, lenders, and guarantors offer to borrowers.

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