diff --git a/paying_for_college/templates/choose_a_loan.html b/paying_for_college/templates/choose_a_loan.html index 7e8ac58..ea7c1e4 100644 --- a/paying_for_college/templates/choose_a_loan.html +++ b/paying_for_college/templates/choose_a_loan.html @@ -53,46 +53,46 @@

Choosing a loan

Student Loans: Choosing a loan that's right for you

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Why Is it important?
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Why Is it important?
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If you're considering student loans to help you pay for school, you're not alone - many students need loans to cover their full cost of attendance. In 2010, 67% of bachelor's degree recipients used loans to pay for their education. But the more money you borrow now, the higher your monthly loan payments will be after you graduate.

If you have to take out student loans, comparing your options can help you find the student loan best suited for your needs.

Key Questions
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If you're considering student loans to help you pay for school, you're not alone - many students need loans to cover their full cost of attendance. In 2010, 67% of bachelor's degree recipients used loans to pay for their education. But the more money you borrow now, the higher your monthly loan payments will be after you graduate.

If you have to take out student loans, comparing your options can help you find the student loan best suited for your needs.

Key Questions
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- I have to borrow money for school. What are my options? -
+ I have to borrow money for school. What are my options? +
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- What if my grants and federal loans don't cover the cost of attendance? -
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+ What if my grants and federal loans don't cover the cost of attendance? +
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- What should I consider when shopping for a private loan? -
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+ What should I consider when shopping for a private loan? +
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If you have to take out student loans, you essentially have two choices: federal student loans and private loans. +

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If you have to take out student loans, you essentially have two choices: federal student loans and private loans.

For most borrowers, federal student loans are the best option. When you start to pay back your federal loans, the interest rate will be fixed, which will help you predict your payments after graduation. And in some cases, the federal government will pay the interest on your loans while you are in school - these loans are called subsidized loans.

Other student loans are generally private student loans. The most common private student loans are offered by banks. Their interest rates are often variable, which means your interest rates and payments could go up over time. Private loans can also be more expensive - rates have been as high as 16% over the past couple of years. And when it is time to repay, private loans don't offer as many options to reduce or postpone payments.

For most people, federal student loans are a better deal than private student loans, so you'll want to take advantage of federal options first.

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If your grants and federal loans are not enough to cover the cost of your education, you should consider the following options:

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If your grants and federal loans are not enough to cover the cost of your education, you should consider the following options:

  • Search for scholarships. Look for state and local grants and scholarships using one of the many free scholarship search options available. Servicemembers, veterans, and their families may be eligible for GI Bill benefits and/or military tuition assistance.
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    Why Is it importan
  • See what your family can contribute. Your parents may be able to get tax credits for their contributions. Parents can also explore the federal Direct PLUS Loan program.
  • Shop around for a private loan. Remember that these loans generally have higher interest rates and less repayment flexibility compared to federal student loans. You generally should turn to private loans only after you have explored all other grant, scholarship, and federal loan options. If you can show you have a very high credit rating, you may find an affordable private student loan, though you will likely need a co-signer, who will be legally obligated to repay the loan if you can't or don't. Look for the one with the lowest interest rate and flexible repayment options.
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    First, make sure you need a private student loan. These loans generally are not as affordable as federal student loans and offer little repayment flexibility.

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    First, make sure you need a private student loan. These loans generally are not as affordable as federal student loans and offer little repayment flexibility.

    Here are some factors to consider:

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    Why Is it importan
  • Some private lenders may advertise very low interest rates - remember that only borrowers with the best credit will qualify for these rates. Your rate could be much higher.
  • In 2011, over 90% of private student loans required a co-signer, so make sure you have someone like a parent or another relative lined up. Your co-signer will be legally obligated to repay the loan if you can't or don't. You may want to consider loans that offer "co-signer release" after a number of on-time payments.
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    Take action

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    1. Fill out the FAFSA. Complete the form and submit it early.
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    3. Explore all your federal loan options first.
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    5. Shop around if your aid package doesn't cover the full cost of college.
    6. -
    - Download
    action guide
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    1. Fill out the FAFSA. Complete the form and submit it early.
    2. +
    3. Explore all your federal loan options first.
    4. +
    5. Shop around if your aid package doesn't cover the full cost of college.
    6. +
    + Download
    action guide
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    what are the options?
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    what are the options?
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    Parent or Grad PLUS Loans

    Usually your best option if your other federal aid does not cover your expense. Parents are responsible for - repaying this loan. + repaying this loan.
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    Parent or Grad PLUS Loans

    Parents with PLUS loans are responsible for repaying those loans

    repaying this loan.-->

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    School Loans

    Ask CFPB!
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    Learn more about your options to repay your student debt.

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    Take action
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    Take action
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    Fill out the FAFSA

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    You must complete this form to be eligible for any federal +
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    Fill out the FAFSA

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    You must complete this form to be eligible for any federal student loans or grants. Submit the FAFSA as early as possible. Find your FAFSA deadlines online.

    Even if you are not sure you'll be eligible for any federal aid, you still need the FAFSA - schools often award scholarships and other grant aid using FAFSA information. 

    If you are having trouble filling out the form, contact the Department of Education.
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    Explore all your federal loan options first

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    If you need to borrow to pay for school, federal student loans almost always cost less than private student loans and have more protections when it's time for repayment. If you are choosing between schools, compare each school's aid offer.
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    Shop around if your aid package doesn't cover the full cost of college

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    Talk to your school's financial aid office about alternative scholarships or loan options. You may want to ask your parent to consider taking out a PLUS loan. And if you decide a private student loan is your best option, make sure you understand the terms and costs.
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    Explore all your federal loan options first

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    If you need to borrow to pay for school, federal student loans almost always cost less than private student loans and have more protections when it's time for repayment. If you are choosing between schools, compare each school's aid offer.
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    Shop around if your aid package doesn't cover the full cost of college

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    Talk to your school's financial aid office about alternative scholarships or loan options. You may want to ask your parent to consider taking out a PLUS loan. And if you decide a private student loan is your best option, make sure you understand the terms and costs.
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    diff --git a/paying_for_college/templates/landing.html b/paying_for_college/templates/landing.html index d1e2544..b318724 100644 --- a/paying_for_college/templates/landing.html +++ b/paying_for_college/templates/landing.html @@ -67,7 +67,7 @@

    Student financial guides

    Student loans

    If you’re considering student loans to help you pay for school, you’re not alone – many students need loans to cover their full cost of attendance. If you have to take out student loans, comparing your options can help you find the student loan best suited for your needs. More about student loans.

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    Still need to apply for financial aid?
    Visit fafsa.gov  +

    Still need to apply for financial aid?
    Visit fafsa.gov 

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    Compare financial aid offers

    As part of our Know Before You Owe project, we worked with the Department of Education to create a Financial Aid Shopping Sheet. Now that thousands of colleges are adopting this clear and comparable form, we’ve built a tool that complements the shopping sheet to help students make comparisons tailored to their individual circumstances.

    Compare costs

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    Still researching schools?
    Check out College Scorecard  +

    Still researching schools?
    Check out College Scorecard 

    diff --git a/paying_for_college/templates/manage_your_money.html b/paying_for_college/templates/manage_your_money.html index 0bfad9c..4b471ff 100644 --- a/paying_for_college/templates/manage_your_money.html +++ b/paying_for_college/templates/manage_your_money.html @@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ {% block page_css %} - + @@ -46,58 +46,58 @@

    Managing college money

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    Student Banking: Managing your college money

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    Why Is it important?
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    Why Is it important?
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    Unlike that first school ID photo, your first banking relationship could last long after you graduate. Making a smart decision now will mean fewer surprise fees that can add up later.

    Key Questions
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    Unlike that first school ID photo, your first banking relationship could last long after you graduate. Making a smart decision now will mean fewer surprise fees that can add up later.

    Key Questions
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    - When should I get a bank account? -
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    - How do I avoid paying unexpected fees? -
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    - Do I have to get an account with the bank at my school? -
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    + Do I have to get an account with the bank at my school? +
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    Choose an account as soon as possible - you should try to find one before you start school.

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    Choose an account as soon as possible - you should try to find one before you start school.

    Once you have a bank account, sign up for direct deposit with your school before classes start. If you are expecting money from your financial aid office, you'll often get it faster this way - it can be weeks before the school gets to writing you a paper check.

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    Dig deeper when accounts are marketed as "free" or "easy" - very few accounts charge no fees at all.

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    Dig deeper when accounts are marketed as "free" or "easy" - very few accounts charge no fees at all.

    Does your bank charge monthly fees? Many require minimum balances or regular direct deposit to avoid monthly fees. What about out-of-network ATM fees, overdraft fees, fees to use your debit card, and fees for services like online bill-pay?

    Knowing if and when fees will be charged could save you hundreds of dollars in fees each year. While half of young Americans never overdraft, the other half average approximately seven overdrafts a year. Overdrafts can cost more than $30 each; that's potentially a lot of money taken out of your pocket.

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    No. Schools cannot require you to use their bank, so shop around. +

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    No. Schools cannot require you to use their bank, so shop around.

    • Don't feel limited to only the banks or credit unions that have ATMs on or near campus; some will automatically reimburse fees for using any ATM.
    • Consider accounts that offer services like remote check deposits, mobile apps, and online bill-pay. Signing up for a bank account now can save you headaches later, and researching accounts with the lowest fees can save you money.
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    Why Is it importan

    When should I get a bank account?

    Choose an account as soon as possible - you should try to find one before you start school.

    Once you have a bank account, sign up for direct deposit with your school before classes start. If you are expecting money from your financial aid office, you'll often get it faster this way - it can be weeks before the school gets to writing you a paper check.


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    How do I avoid paying unexpected fees?

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    How do I avoid paying unexpected fees?

    Dig deeper when accounts are marketed as "free" or "easy" - very few accounts charge no fees at all.

    Does your bank charge monthly fees? Many require minimum balances or regular direct deposit to avoid monthly fees. What about out-of-network ATM fees, overdraft fees, fees to use your debit card, and fees for services like online bill-pay?

    Knowing if and when fees will be charged could save you hundreds of dollars in fees each year. While half of young Americans never overdraft, the other half average approximately seven overdrafts a year. Overdrafts can cost more than $30 each; that's potentially a lot of money taken out of your pocket.


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    Do I have to get an account with the bank at my school?

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    Do I have to get an account with the bank at my school?

    No. Schools cannot require you to use their bank, so shop around.

    • Don't feel limited to only the banks or credit unions that have ATMs on or near campus; some will automatically reimburse fees for using any ATM.
    • Consider accounts that offer services like remote check deposits, mobile apps, and online bill-pay. Signing up for a bank account now can save you headaches later, and researching accounts with the lowest fees can save you money.


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    Action Steps

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    1. Choose an account as soon as possible.
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    3. Avoid paying unexpected fees.
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    5. Sign up for direct deposit as soon as possible.
    6. -
    - Download
    action guide
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    1. Choose an account as soon as possible.
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    3. Avoid paying unexpected fees.
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    5. Sign up for direct deposit as soon as possible.
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    action guide
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    What are the options? 

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    What are the options? 

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    Choosing a bank account

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    Choosing a bank account

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    What you need to know

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    Shop around, and don't feel limited to only the banks or credit unions that have ATMs on or near campus; some will automatically reimburse fees for using any ATM. Consider accounts that offer services like remote check deposits, mobile apps, and online bill-pay.

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    Keep in mind

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    Dig deeper when accounts are marketed as "free" or "easy" - very few accounts charge no fees at all.

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    What you need to know

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    Shop around, and don't feel limited to only the banks or credit unions that have ATMs on or near campus; some will automatically reimburse fees for using any ATM. Consider accounts that offer services like remote check deposits, mobile apps, and online bill-pay.

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    Keep in mind

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    Dig deeper when accounts are marketed as "free" or "easy" - very few accounts charge no fees at all.

    Signing up for a bank account now can save you headaches later, and researching accounts with the lowest fees can save you money.

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    Financial aid disbursement

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    Financial aid disbursement

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    What you need to know

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    After your school takes out the cost of tuition, fees, and any on-campus living expenses from your total financial aid award, there is often money left for you to use for other expenses, like books.

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    Keep in mind

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    You normally have several options for how you get that money, including direct deposit to a bank account, to a card that might also double as your student ID, by check, or cash.

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    What you need to know

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    After your school takes out the cost of tuition, fees, and any on-campus living expenses from your total financial aid award, there is often money left for you to use for other expenses, like books.

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    Keep in mind

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    You normally have several options for how you get that money, including direct deposit to a bank account, to a card that might also double as your student ID, by check, or cash.

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    Ask CFPB!
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    Ask CFPB!
    What is a financial aid disbursement?
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    Keep in mind

  • Choosing an account that does not allow overdrafts
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    Take action
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    Take action
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    Choose an account as soon as possible.

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    You should try to find an account before you start school.
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    Avoid paying unexpected fees.

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    Knowing if and when fees will be charged could save you hundreds of dollars in fees each year.
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    Sign up for direct deposit as soon as possible.

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    Once you have a bank account, sign up for direct deposit with your school before classes start.
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    Choose an account as soon as possible.

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    You should try to find an account before you start school.
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    Avoid paying unexpected fees.

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    Knowing if and when fees will be charged could save you hundreds of dollars in fees each year.
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    Sign up for direct deposit as soon as possible.

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    Once you have a bank account, sign up for direct deposit with your school before classes start.
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    diff --git a/paying_for_college/templates/repay_student_debt.html b/paying_for_college/templates/repay_student_debt.html index 65b67b7..671ee54 100644 --- a/paying_for_college/templates/repay_student_debt.html +++ b/paying_for_college/templates/repay_student_debt.html @@ -231,7 +231,7 @@

    Additional information

    Do you need to get credit (for example, get a credit card, take out a mortgage, or qualify for a car loan)?

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    Additional information

    Can you pay off your defaulted federal student loans?

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    Helpful advice

  • Be aware, your interest rate will be recalculated as the weighted average of your current federal loans and rounded up to the nearest .125%. This means that your interest rate will not decrease and actually may rise slightly.
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    WARNING FOR SERVICEMEMBERS: Taking out a new Federal Direct Consolidation Loan will impact your eligibility for an interest rate reduction under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

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    WARNING FOR SERVICEMEMBERS: Taking out a new Federal Direct Consolidation Loan will impact your eligibility for an interest rate reduction under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

    To get started on consolidation, contact the Department of Education (1-800-557-7392) to find out if consolidation is right for you. To begin the application process, check out the consolidation website. You can also use the Department's calculator to determine your payments if you choose to extend your loan term and lower monthly payments.

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    Lower your interest rate

    If you are currently serving on active-duty you are eligible to have the interest rate lowered to 6% on all student loans taken out prior to your military service. This benefit applies to both your federal and private (non-federal) student loans and is available for all active-duty servicemembers, regardless of where you serve. Most borrowers on active-duty will qualify for this benefit, so it makes sense to start here.

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    To obtain an interest rate reduction under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), contact your servicer and ask about this option directly. You will be required to provide your servicer with proof of your active-duty status in the form of orders from your commanding officer.

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    To obtain an interest rate reduction under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), contact your servicer and ask about this option directly. You will be required to provide your servicer with proof of your active-duty status in the form of orders from your commanding officer.

    Learn more about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and other benefits for servicemembers with student loans from the U.S. Department of Education.

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    Income-driven repayment plans and public service loan forgiveness (PSLF)

    This is one of the best options to stay on the road to repayment for federal student loan borrowers. Income-driven repayment plans ties your payment to your income and family size. (The chart below gives you an idea of your approximate payment.)

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    For borrowers who will make a career out of military service, Income-driven repayment plans provide another major benefit— you may be eligible for loan forgiveness +

    For borrowers who will make a career out of military service, Income-driven repayment plans provide another major benefit— you may be eligible for loan forgiveness after 10 years of reduced monthly payments. If you think you will spend a decade or more in the military, it is important to enter into an income-driven repayment plan as soon as possible; each qualifying monthly payment gets you closer to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

    If you leave the military but plan to pursue another qualifying public service profession, like teaching or serving in government, you may still be eligible for PSLF.

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    Get started by enrolling online at StudentLoans.gov. Once you sign in, select “Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request.” These plans are always available for free to federal student loan borrowers with eligible loans.

    You can also contact your servicer (the company that sends you a bill each month) about enrolling. They will likely ask for proof of your income, such as a tax return or pay stub, to determine your payment.

    diff --git a/paying_for_college/templates/technote.html b/paying_for_college/templates/technote.html index 4981bea..df06470 100644 --- a/paying_for_college/templates/technote.html +++ b/paying_for_college/templates/technote.html @@ -1060,13 +1060,12 @@

    - Questions to ask your college + Questions to ask your college

    FAFSA® + target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAFSA®

    Apply for federal, state, and school financial aid. diff --git a/paying_for_college/templates/worksheet.html b/paying_for_college/templates/worksheet.html index 0ac65b8..9e4a0ef 100644 --- a/paying_for_college/templates/worksheet.html +++ b/paying_for_college/templates/worksheet.html @@ -435,10 +435,8 @@

    Based on financial need, - see how you - qualify + see how you qualify

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    accumulating 9 months after you leave school; see - how you qualify + target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> + see how you qualify

    diff --git a/test/js-unit/query-handler-spec.js b/test/js-unit/query-handler-spec.js index 498651f..60d46ca 100644 --- a/test/js-unit/query-handler-spec.js +++ b/test/js-unit/query-handler-spec.js @@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ describe( 'queryHandler...', function() { expect( typeof valuePairs.otherExpenses ).to.equal( "number" ); }); - it( '...ignores any key which does not appear in keyMaps' , function() { + it( '...ignores any key which does not appear in keyMaps', function() { var queryString = '?tuit=100&hous=101&book=102&tran=103&othr=104&lol=999&hack=true', valuePairs = queryHandler( queryString ); expect( valuePairs.tuitionFees ).to.equal( 100 );