Guide to Getting Installment Loans for Your Studies

A college education is extremely important. It’s also very expensive. You know the value of an education, but sometimes it’s difficult to know how to pay for your education. Unless you have a full-ride scholarship or a trust fund, chances are you’re going to need a little bit of help to pay for tuition and books. Fortunately, there are loans and funding options available to help you find the right type of financial support for your college education.

Photo via Flickr by zeobot

How to Pay for College

There are several options when it comes to paying for college. Do your research and then choose which option is best for you.

1. Installment Loan. An installment loan is a type of loan you can take out through a bank, credit union or your school. It’s a way to spread your tuition costs out, instead of paying a one-time, single payment. An installment loan can be used to pay for tuition, housing, books, fees and even personal expenses associated with college. See below for more information on this option.

2. Federal loans. You can get loans through the government, if you qualify. These loans typically come with a lower interest rate than a traditional loan and are paid back after graduation.

3. Grants. Similar to federal loans, a grant is offered through the government. Grants are awarded based on income, so you have to meet certain income requirements in order to qualify.

4. Scholarships. If you have excelled at academics, especially while in high school, your school may offer you a merit based scholarship.

Installment Loans

For most college students, the best option to pay for school is getting an installment loan. This type of loan lets you pay for your tuition on a monthly basis, saving you from having to spend a lot of money at once to make a one-time payment. Some installment loans, depending on the type you qualify for, may also be spread out over your college career instead of having it on a per-semester basis.

To qualify for an installment loan:

1. Go to a financial institution. You’ll need to get an installment loan loan from a bank or a credit union. Some college financial aid departments also offer short-term installment loans. Check with your financial aid office to see if this is an option.

2. Fill out paperwork. This will include all of the necessary legal information. You’ll need to show some kind of income (proving you can pay the loan back) and give your contact information. If you do not have an income or are a first-time borrower, you will likely need a co-signer. 

3. In some situations, you may have to show proof of enrollment in a college or university. This will depend on your financial institution, but you may need to show you are a student in order to receive the funds.

Installment loans are a great way to get the money you need for college. An installment loan, along with some of the other payment options, will help you to get through the critical college years.