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Navigating Student Loans: A Guide to Finding the Best Rate & Paying Your August Tuition

Parent PLUS Loan rates have gone up again for this season...they are now 9.08% for all borrowers....plus a 4% origination fee. 

Private Loans May be an interesting alternative. Borrowers with good credit can get rates starting just under 5% with no fees.  Below you’ll find a link to a student loan marketplace, where you can compare and get pre-approved.  One of the lenders, Earnest, actually has a Rate Match Guarantee. You’ll also see our suggestion on steps you can take to help ensure you choose the right student loan.

Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing the Best Student Loan In 2024:

Step 1: Apply through Ascent to get your rate - CLICK HERE  

    • Lowest fixed intro rate starting at 3.69%
    • 4 easy steps without impacting your credit score

Step 2: Apply through College Ave to get your rate - CLICK HERE  

    • 3 minutes to apply

Step 3: Apply through Sallie Mae to get your rate - CLICK HERE  

    • No origination fee or penalty for prepayment, competitive rates

Step 4: Compare your private rates to the Federal PLUS loan* and to 3 state loan options; Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Iowa.

1:1 Expert Guidance

$279

Code: CX20 for 20% Discount

(Retail of $349)

An Hour With An Expert:
  • Determine what loan options are best for your family.
  • Have an expert do a loan app with you so you can hit submit.
  • Have an expert do the MPN and loan counseling with you.
  • Discuss most efficient way to pay the college bill and strategies to limit borrowing.
Get Started!
Lender Comparison Screenshot (August 8, 2024)
college ave logo
Variable Rate APRs: 5.59% - 17.99%
Fixed Rate APRs: 3.89% - 17.99%

College Ave

  • Apply in as little as 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
  • Multiple repayment options from deferred to immediate principal and interest
  • Choice of how long you take to repay the loan - 5, 8, 10, or 15 years
  • 0.25% interest rate reduction when you make required payments by automatic debit
  • Borrow up to 100% of your cost of attendance (minimum $1,000)
sallie mae logo
Variable Rate APRs: 5.37% - 15.7%
Fixed Rate APRs: 3.74% - 15.49%

Sallie Mae

  • Lowest rates shown include 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount with auto debit payments.
  • Applying online is easy - you could receive a credit result in about 10 minutes.
  • Multiple repayment options from in-school payments to deferred. No origination fee or prepayment penalty.
  • Borrow up to 100% of school-certified expenses, whether you're online or on campus.
  • Last year, students were 4x more likely to be approved with a cosigner.
Ascent_FullColor_NoTag_Logo (3) 2
Variable Rate APRs: 5.99% - 15.85%
Fixed Rate APRs: 3.69% - 15.76%

Ascent

  • Fixed rates starting at 3.69 Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

  • Access to expert coaching, paid internship opportunities, and career-prep resources with AscentUP6

  • Zero fees – no application, origination, disbursement, early repayment, or late fees

  • 1% cash back at graduation and a 0.25% - 1.00% autopay discount

  • 12-month co-signor release program
  • Disclosures
  •  

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