Paying for College
Graduating from college pays significant
lifetime dividends.
Of course, before you can access these increased earnings, you need to be able to cover your college costs.
What options do I have to pay for college?
The federal government has loan programs for both students and their parents, with an online application available here. Scholarships can also help cover your costs. On Tap Credit Union offers scholarships each year. If you need additional assistance paying for school, you can apply for a student loan. The Smart Option Student Loan® for On Tap Credit Union by Sallie Mae® is one option. Students may also qualify for scholarships, and parents can access the equity in their home with a HELOC.
How long will I have to pay back my student loans?
Different loans have different pay-back periods, with many ranging from 10 years to as long as 30 years. For some federal student loans, you can change your repayment plan even after you’ve started to make payments, or select an “income driven” repayment plan that adjusts to your anticipated increase in income over time. You can learn more about repaying federal student loans from the U.S. Department of Education here.
Once you’ve decided to go to college, how to pay for it becomes the next big question.
For costs not covered by scholarships or federal loans, On Tap Credit Union offers The Smart Option Student Loan® for On Tap Credit Union by Sallie Mae®, which provides both fixed and variable interest rates and three repayment options for financial flexibility after you graduate. You can apply online and find out in minutes if you qualify.
Parents who want to help cover college costs may also consider a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit to help pay, using the equity they’ve built in their home to help start the next generation off on strong financial footing.