Arizona Student Loan Resources

Arizona students considering the pursuit of a university-degree may face the challenge of how exactly to pay for their collegiate career. The most popular route for students begins with the U.S. Department of Education. Through the government, students can receive federally-backed student loans. These loans can be either subsidized on unsubsidized depending on a student’s financial need.

Funding through the Direct Loans Program can be applied for using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this application can be filed online at the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site or paper form can be mailed in. The FAFSA collects extensive background information on both the student and his or her parents/guardians. Money is available through Direct Loans for both undergraduate and graduate students.

When federal funds are not enough to cover expenses, Arizona students might also consider borrowing from a private lender. While private funding is not always as desirable as federally-backed loans, they can pick up where the student’s federal awards and education awards left off. Private loans also feature quicker approval rates and generally allow borrowers to withdrawal larger amounts of money then the federal loans.

To qualify for a student loan, the student must intend on attending an accredited school such as the University of Arizona. A list of approved colleges can be obtained through your high school counselor or any university financial aid office. Students must also enroll for at least half-time each term and actively seek a degree or approved certification. In most cases, students need to be a U.S. citizen, although some private lenders allow for international students to borrow with the assistance of a U.S. co-signer.

Whether it is through federal aid or private loans, the opportunity for Arizona students to achieve higher-education is available to those who want it.

Many Arizona Colleges and Universities provide information helpful to their students seeking financial aid and student loans.

The following sites

• The financial aid office at the postsecondary institution where you plan to attend will be able to provide you with information about the financial aid they have to offer, application forms, and grant and scholarship information other than what is available through their institution.  Here are links to the financial aid web sites of the state universities and the county community college systems:
  Arizona State University        
  http://www.asu.edu/fa/
  Northern Arizona University
  The University of Arizona 
  Arizona Community Colleges:

• Arizona Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA)