The FAFSA is one application for a variety of federal and state financial aid programs. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program is one. Before accepting loans, be sure you understand how they work. Student loans are in investment in your future, and the following information can help you be a smart investor.

Pros

• Student loans are disbursed at a fixed rate, meaning the interest rate for the loan will never change. This is often considerably lower than private student loan sources. The interest rate for federal student loans disbursed during the 2017-18 school year is 4.45%.
• No credit check is required. Federal student loans are available to you because you’re pursuing education beyond high school.
• For students who qualify for subsidized student loans, the federal government pays the interest on your loan while you’re still in school, saving you money in the long run.
• When it’s time to repay your student loans, you’ll have several repayment plan choices designed to fit your specific needs.

Cons

• Not all students qualify for subsidized student loans. The information you provide on your FAFSA determines eligibility.
• Student loans must be repaid, and debt adds up quickly. Keep track of your student loan debt while you’re in school by visiting the National Student Loan Data System.
• There is a cap to how much you can borrow, so be sure you’re seeking other types of financial aid as well.

To learn more about how to be a smart borrower, check out ReadySetRepay.org. You’ll find information about borrowing smart from the start, estimating your loan payments, and repayment options.

During your Thanksgiving break, be sure to carve out some time to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2018-19 academic year. It may sound like Fall, 2018 is a long time away, but consider these reasons to apply now:

• Some forms of financial aid are first-come, first-served. When this type of aid is gone, you may have to wait for the next school year to apply for it again.
• More and more colleges are setting early enrollment and institutional scholarship deadlines in November and December. During the application process, they’ll want to know if you’ve submitted your FAFSA.
• It’s not uncommon for a scholarship committee to ask for a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) that you receive after you submit your FAFSA. Completing your FAFSA early ensures that you won’t miss important deadlines.

For more information about completing the FAFSA, visit StudentAid.ed.gov.

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students to earn money to help pay for school. Work-Study positions exist in various departments across campus (and sometimes off campus).

There are several perks to Work-Study positions. First, they’re flexible. Schools know a student’s classes are their number one priority, and they know class schedules change each semester, so they work with students to build work schedules around class schedules. They are also often flexible if students need time off to study for a test or work on a class project.

Second, Work-Study jobs exist all across campus. Students can work in the bookstore, with the grounds or maintenance crews, in an academic department or in a variety of other areas. Some schools even have Work-Study positions off campus. This allows students to find a job that fits their interests.

Finally, Work-Study positions offer competitive pay. Students will earn at least minimum wage. At some schools, pay starts above minimum wage or increases with length of employment.

Work-Study funds are limited, so students should complete the FAFSA early and begin applying for Work-Study jobs as soon as possible.

To learn more about the Federal Work-Study program, visit the Federal Student Aid website or ask the financial aid off at your college.