Best Student Loans in Colorado of 2024

The soaring costs of higher education in Colorado are more than just numbers on a page; they're a barrier that can keep dreams out of reach for many aspiring students. With tuition fees climbing at an alarming rate, finding the best student loans in Colorado has become a critical step in the journey toward a brighter future.

MoneyGeek found that Ascent offers the best student loans in Colorado overall. Sallie Mae is ideal for students looking for low interest rates, whereas Earnest is preferable for students with bad credit. International students may fare best with Prodigy Finance, while borrowers who need a co-signer may consider College Ave. The best option for you may vary based on your needs and situation.

Imagine that your dream university in Colorado has just accepted your application for admission. Your excitement gives way to concern as you realize the tuition costs are well beyond your budget. This situation is where student loans come into play, acting as a lifeline for pursuing higher education.

The basic mechanics of a student loan include borrowing a specific amount to cover your education costs. This amount often comes with an interest rate that accrues over time. After completing your education or if you drop below part-time enrollment, you'll enter a grace period, after which you must begin repaying the loan.

There are two types of student loans:

• Private student loans: Offered by banks, credit unions and other private lenders, private student loans often have variable interest rates and less flexible repayment options. Your creditworthiness typically informs your eligibility and interest rates.

• Federal student loans: Federal student loans are funded by the U.S. government and often come with benefits like fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans and potential forgiveness options. Your financial need usually determines your eligibility.

Ultimately, student loans play a vital role in making higher education accessible, but it's essential to understand the differences between federal and private loans. Careful consideration of the terms, interest rates and repayment options can help you find the best fit for your financial situation and educational goals.

Private student loans are a type of financial aid provided by banks, credit unions and other private lenders to help students pay for college expenses. They are typically based on the borrower's credit score and come with different terms and conditions.

This type of student loan is a solid option when federal aid, scholarships and grants aren't enough to cover the full cost of tuition, room and board and other education-related expenses. It may also be ideal for students who are ineligible for federal aid due to various reasons, such as enrollment in a part-time program.

Although private student loans can offer more substantial borrowing amounts and different repayment options depending on a borrower's specific financial situation, they often have variable interest rates, meaning your rate can fluctuate over time, potentially leading to higher overall costs. They may also require a co-signer if the borrower doesn't have a strong credit history, which can put additional financial responsibility on friends or family members.

Federal student loans are a form of financial aid the U.S. government provides to help students pay for college or career school. They are often considered a preferable option for many students due to their favorable terms and conditions compared to private loans.

This type of student loan comes with benefits such as:

Federal student loans offer various options to help Colorado students finance their education. These include Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans and Direct Consolidation Loans.

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in an in-school, grace or deferment period, making them a cost-effective option for those who qualify.

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. They’re not based on financial need. Interest accrues on these loans from the time of disbursal, and students are responsible for paying this interest, regardless of enrollment status.

• Direct PLUS Loans: Direct PLUS Loans are available to graduate or professional students as well as parents of dependent undergraduate students. These loans require a credit check and have higher interest rates, but they can cover the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

• Direct Consolidation Loans: This option allows borrowers to combine multiple federal student loans into a single loan with one monthly payment. Direct Consolidation Loans can also simplify repayment and may provide access to alternative repayment plans.

Depending on your needs and circumstances, you may need to access multiple types of loans as you complete your college journey.

Student loan forgiveness means that the borrower is no longer required to repay some or all of the outstanding principal and interest on their student loans. The purpose of these programs is to encourage individuals to pursue careers in public service, education, healthcare or other fields where there may be a societal need but lower financial compensation.

Colorado offers specific programs for student loan forgiveness, including:

1. Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) Program

• Eligibility: Healthcare professionals such as physicians, dentists and mental health professionals working in underserved communities in Colorado may qualify.
• Benefits: Participants can receive loan repayment assistance for committing to a service term in a designated shortage area.
• Application process: Applicants must submit an online application, including proof of employment in an eligible site, and agree to fulfill the service obligation.

2. Colorado Educator Loan Forgiveness

• Eligibility: Teachers, administrators or special service providers working in Colorado public schools, approved rural schools/districts or content-shortage areas in non-rural schools/districts may qualify. Applicants must also have a federal student loan in their name as well as a current teaching or special service provider license valid in the state.
• Benefits: Forgiveness of up to $5,000 for a given year.
• Application process: Applicants must apply for the Educator Loan Forgiveness Program from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

3. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for Colorado Public Service Workers

• Eligibility: Employees of federal, state, local or tribal government organizations, including borrowers in Colorado, may qualify if they work full-time and make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.
• Benefits: Forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Loans after meeting the requirements.
• Application process: Submit the Employment Certification Form annually and the PSLF application after completing the required payments.

4. Colorado Rural Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program

• Eligibility: Veterinarians working in rural Colorado areas with veterinary shortages.
• Benefits: Loan repayment assistance for veterinarians who commit to working in designated shortage areas.
• Application process: Submit an application, including proof of employment and loan information, and agree to the service terms.

By understanding the specific eligibility requirements and application processes, borrowers can take advantage of these opportunities to reduce or eliminate student loan debt while contributing to the well-being of their communities.

Managing student loans is a crucial aspect of financial responsibility for students and graduates. The decisions made during school and after graduation can have long-lasting impacts on your financial well-being. Here are some essential tips for managing student loans:

Student loans can help build credit when managed responsibly. Regular, on-time payments can positively affect credit history, demonstrating reliability to future creditors. On the other hand, late payments can have a negative impact on your credit score. If a payment is more than 30 days late, it may be reported to the credit bureaus, leading to a drop in your credit score.

Additionally, defaulting on a student loan can severely damage your credit score. The default is reported to credit bureaus and can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. This can make obtaining future credit, such as credit cards, auto loans or mortgages, challenging. In the case of federal student loans, the government can garnish wages or seize tax refunds to recover the defaulted amount.

We compiled a list of frequently asked questions on student loans in Colorado to help clarify common concerns and provide guidance on this essential aspect of financing higher education.