College graduates make an average of one million dollars more than those without college degrees www.studentloanfacts.org. But, because the cost of a university, technical college, other specialized training can be overwhelming, Newaygo County Service Employees Credit Union offers Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans that can help you with the funding you need to pursue your dreams.

FFELP offers loans for students and parents.

o Stafford Loans

o The subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is based on financial need. The government pays the interest while you are in school.

o The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not based on need but family income is a determining factor. You pay all the interest, although you can have the payments deferred until after graduation.

Parent PLUS/Grad PLUS Loans

Creditworthy parents of dependent undergraduate students and graduate/professional students can apply for this loan, which is not based on need.

Learn more about low-interest federal student loans refer to the Student Direct Loan Guide for more details on Stafford and PLUS Loans including:

current rates

loan limits

borrower fees

MANAGE YOUR FINANCES

Newaygo County Service Employees Credit Union and Great Lakes are committed to helping students learn to manage their finances. The regularly updated Personal Financial Management Resources provides information on anticipating college costs and staying in control of your finances while in school.

After graduation, consolidating your student loans is an option.

After you graduate, you can consolidate your student loans, even if you only have one. Contact a Great Lakes Consolidation Representative by calling 1-800-950-0152 to determine if consolidation is in your best interest.

Plan your future. Visit these Web sites.

www.mappingyourfuture.biz - Detailed information about career planning, selecting a school, and paying for college.

www.studentaid.ed.gov - Detailed student aid and student loan info from the U.S. Dept of Ed.

www.fastweb.com - Scholarship information.

www.fafsa.ed.gov - Online application for financial aid (FAFSA).

www.pin.ed.gov - Apply for a PIN number to complete online FAFSA.

www.mygreatlakes.org - Great Lakes is the guaranty agency for your student loans. You can check the status of your student loans here.

www.nslds.ed.gov - View the history of the federal student financial aid you have received.

www.finaid.org - Guide to student financial aid and scholarship search services.

www.collegeplan.org- Information on college selection, admissions, financial aid and scholarships.

www.embark.com - Offers powerful college search tools, useful links, expert advice and guidance from an experienced college panel.

www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cohome.htm- US News & World Report's college search and financial aid assistance.