{"id":2912,"date":"2016-09-09T17:15:25","date_gmt":"2016-09-09T17:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/?p=2912"},"modified":"2023-06-28T08:38:56","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T15:38:56","slug":"student-loans-living-expenses-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/student-loans-living-expenses\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Student Loans for College Living Expenses"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Student loans can be used for any education-related expenses, which include living expenses during college. So if you have any of those funds left over after college costs, such as tuition and fees, you may be able to use that money to directly pay for what you need.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#first\">How to use student loans for living expenses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#second\">How are student loans disbursed?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#third\">What can student loans be used for?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#fourth\">What shouldn\u2019t student loans be used for?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#fifth\">What happens if you use student loans for something you shouldn\u2019t?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sixth\">Alternatives to using loans for living expenses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#seventh\">What to do with leftover student loan money<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#eighth\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"first\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>How to use student loans for living expenses<\/h2>\n<p>The first step is getting student loans, so you\u2019ll want to fill out the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid<\/a> (FAFSA) to access federal loans. Your school will use your FAFSA results to determine what federal student loans and other federal financial aid you qualify for.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\">\n<b>Tip: <\/b>It\u2019s generally best to max out federal loans \u2014 and, of course, take advantage of gift aid, like scholarships and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/college-grants\/\">grants<\/a> \u2014 before moving on to private ones. This is mainly because these loans come with federal benefits and protections, such as access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs. Private loans tend to cost more, and don\u2019t have the same protections as federal loans. <\/div><\/div>\n<p>After you\u2019ve exhausted your scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, private student loans can help fill any financial gaps left over. If you decide to take out a private student loan, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for your needs.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-74\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-74 table table-border-top table-rounded table-no-img-margin table-capitalized-column-titles table-align-center tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Lender<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Fixed Rates From (APR)<br \/>\n<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Variable Rates From (APR)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/ascent\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-three-quarter.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#ascent-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    2.69%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    3.65%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"ascent-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    2.69%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.65%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $2,001* to $400,000 <\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, fixed\/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 12 on-time principal and interest payments<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Launch Servicing, LLC<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/citizens-bank\/#citizens-bank-private-student-loans\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-three-quarter.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#citizens-bank-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    3.24%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    4.91%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"citizens-bank-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.24%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.91%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                720<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,000 to $350,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan types:<\/span>\n                                Any private or federal student loan<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay, loyalty<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Available in all 50 states (international students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner)<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 36 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Firstmark Services<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/college-ave\/#college-ave-private-student-loans\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-three-quarter.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#college-ave-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    2.59%+<sup>2,3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    3.89%+<sup>2,3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"college-ave-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    2.59%+<sup>2,3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.89%+<sup>2,3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,000 up to cost of attendance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 8, 10, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, full monthly payment, fixed\/flat repayment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After half of the scheduled repayment term has been completed<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                College Ave Servicing LLC\r\n<p><i><sup>Learn more about<a href=\"https:\/\/help.collegeavestudentloans.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/5560603133079-Can-a-cosigner-be-released-from-a-loan-\"> cosigner release requirements.<\/a> Requesting prequalified rates on Credible is free and doesn't affect your credit score. However, applying for or closing a loan will involve a hard credit pull that impacts your credit score and closing a loan will result in costs to you.<\/p><\/i><\/sup><\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/custom-choice\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#custom-choice-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    3.35%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    3.53%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"custom-choice-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.35%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\"><sup>11<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.53%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\"><sup>11<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,000 to $99,999 annually\r\n<small>($180,000 aggregate limit)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\"><sup>11<\/sup><\/a><\/small><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                7, 10, 15<a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\"><sup>11<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, immediate repayment, interest-only repayment, flat\/full repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\"><sup>11<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Available to borrowers in all 50 states. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Phone, email<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 36 months<a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\"><sup>11<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                American Education Services<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. income:<\/span>\n                                $1<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/invested\/#invested-private-student-loans\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#invested-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    4.26%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    5.84%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"invested-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.26%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    5.84%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                670<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,001 up to cost of attendance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay, reward for on-time graduation<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana school<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 12 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                American Education Services<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/mefa\/#mefa-private-student-loans\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#mefa-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    4.95%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"mefa-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.95%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                N\/A<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                670<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 48 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                American Education Services (AES)<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/sallie-mae\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A one-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-quarter.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#sallie-mae-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  <span>\n    2.890%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n -   <span>\n    17.49%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  <span>\n    3.62%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n -   <span>\n    16.250%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"sallie-mae-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  <span>\n    2.890%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n -   <span>\n    17.49%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/span><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">  <span>\n    3.62%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n -   <span>\n    16.250%<sup>9<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/span><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                10 to 20<sup>9<\/sup><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, fixed\/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee, non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Also available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school located in the U.S. who apply with a qualifying cosigner.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                Borrowers can apply after graduation, 12 consecutive on-time principal and interest payments, and meeting certain credit requirements.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Sallie Mae<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><center><b>Compare Prequalified Private Student Loan rates. <\/b><br><br \/>\n<center><a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\/start\">Compare Private Loans Now<\/a><\/center><br><\/center><br \/>\n<!-- TrustBox widget - Micro Combo --><br \/>\n<div class=\"trustpilot-widget\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-template-id=\"5419b6ffb0d04a076446a9af\" data-businessunit-id=\"5536ec090000ff00057eebe7\" data-style-height=\"20px\" data-style-width=\"100%\" data-theme=\"light\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/www.credible.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trustpilot<\/a><\/div><br \/>\n<!-- End TrustBox widget --><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><small>Lowest APRs reflect autopay, loyalty, and interest-only repayment discounts where available. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/faqs\">Prequalified rates<\/a> are not an offer of credit. | <sup>10<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/ascent-student-loan-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ascent Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>1<\/sup><a href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#citizensbank-inschool\">Citizens Bank Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>2,3<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/college-ave-disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">College Ave Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>11<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Custom Choice Disclosures<\/a> | \u00a0<sup>7<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/edvestinu-apr-details-inschool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">EDvestinU Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>8<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/invested-disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">INvestEd Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>9<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/sallie-mae-homepage-disclosures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sallie Mae Disclosures<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p><b><i>See Also: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/borrowing-for-college\/\"><i>4 Benefits to Letting Your Student Borrow for College<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"second\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>How are student loans disbursed?<\/h2>\n<p>Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students are all able to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/how-student-loans-work\/\">student loans<\/a> for living expenses.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe student loan process works by a student being awarded a loan through a private company or the federal government. The money pays the school&#8217;s tuition and fees, then what is left over gets paid out to the student, unless they decline it,\u201d said Tiffany Grant, an accredited financial counselor based in North Carolina. \u201cOnce it is in the student&#8217;s hands, they can use it for living expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Just be aware that there are some exclusions for how you can use those extra funds.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"third\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What can student loans be used for?<\/h2>\n<p>Student loan funds are restricted to uses that are directly related to your education. Some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/paying-for-extra-college-expenses\/\">college-related expenses<\/a> include things like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tuition<\/li>\n<li>Fees<\/li>\n<li>Room and board<\/li>\n<li>Housing utilities<\/li>\n<li>Housing supplies and furnishings<\/li>\n<li>Meals and groceries<\/li>\n<li>Books<\/li>\n<li>Equipment<\/li>\n<li>Supplies<\/li>\n<li>A personal computer you\u2019ll use for school<\/li>\n<li>Transportation costs (bus pass, gas)<\/li>\n<li>Dependant child care expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before you take out a federal or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/best-private-student-loans\/\">private student loan<\/a> to help cover these costs, it\u2019s important to consider how much that loan will cost you in the future. This way, you can be prepared for any added expenses.<\/p>\n<p>You can find out how much you\u2019ll owe over the life of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/federal-vs-private-student-loans\/\">federal or private student loans<\/a> using our student loan calculator below.<br \/>\n<div class=\"calculator refinance\">\n<div class=\"inputs container\">\n\n  <p>Step 1. Enter your loan balance<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"row form-groups\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-8 col-lg-6\">\n  <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t<label for=\"loan-balance\">Loan balance<\/label>\n  \t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the remaining amount of the loans you\u2019d like to refinance<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t<\/span>\n  \t<span class=\"input-group loan-balance\">\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">$<\/span>\n  \t\t<input type=\"number\" min=\"1\" value=\"55000\" step=\"1000\" name=\"loan-balance\" id=\"loan-balance\" aria-label=\"Loan balance\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p>Step 2. Enter current loan information<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"row form-groups\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-8 col-md\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"interest-rate\">Interest rate<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the average annual interest rate of the loans you\u2019d like to refinance<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group interest-rate\">\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"number\" min=\"2.00\" value=\"6.8\" max=\"100\" step=\".01\" name=\"interest-rate\" id=\"interest-rate\" aria-label=\"Interest rate\" class=\"form-control\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">%<\/span>\n  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"monthly-payment\">Monthly payment<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the monthly amount you currently pay on your loans (or enter remaining term)<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group monthly-payment\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">$<\/span>\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"text\" value=\"620\" min=\"1\" step=\"10\" name=\"monthly-payment\" id=\"monthly-payment\" aria-label=\"Monthly payment\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"remaining-term\">Remaining term<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the amount of time left to repay your loan (or enter monthly payment)<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group remaining-term\">\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"9\" min=\"1\" max=\"50\" step=\"1\" name=\"remaining-term\" id=\"remaining-term\" aria-label=\"Remaining term\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">years<\/span>\n  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p>Step 3. Enter your new loan information to start calculating your savings<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"row form-groups\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-8 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"new-interest-rate\">Interest rate<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter an estimated new interest rate.<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group new-interest-rate\">\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"4.25\" min=\"2.00\" max=\"100\" step=\".01\" name=\"new-interest-rate\" id=\"new-interest-rate\" aria-label=\"Interest rate\" class=\"form-control\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">%<\/span>\n  \t\t<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"new-monthly-payment\">Monthly payment<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the monthly amount to pay on your new loan (or enter new loan term)<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group new-monthly-payment\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">$<\/span>\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"text\" value=\"533\" min=\"1\" step=\"10\" name=\"new-monthly-payment\" id=\"new-monthly-payment\" aria-label=\"Monthly payment\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t\t<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"new-remaining-term\">New loan term<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\" title=\"\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the amount of time you have to repay your loan (or enter monthly payment)<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group new-remaining-term\">\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"10\" min=\"1\" max=\"50\" step=\"1\" name=\"new-remaining-term\" id=\"new-remaining-term\" aria-label=\"Remaining term\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">years<\/span>\n  \t\t<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"outputs container\">\n\n  <div class=\"results row\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4\">\n    <div id=\"total-difference-container\" class=\"negative\">\n  \t\t<span class=\"is-negative\">Lifetime Savings<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"is-positive\">Increased Lifetime Cost<\/span>\n    \t<big>$<span id=\"total-difference\"><\/span><\/big>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4\">\n  \tNew Monthly Payment\n  \t<big>$<span id=\"output-new-monthly-payment\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-4 col-md-12 col-lg-4\">\n    <div id=\"payment-difference-container\" class=\"negative\">\n    \t\t<span class=\"is-negative\">Monthly Savings<\/span>\n    \t\t<span class=\"is-positive\">Increased Monthly Cost<\/span>\n    \t<big>$<span class=\"payment-difference\"><\/span><\/big>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p class=\"results-sentence\">\n    If you refinance your student loan at\n    <strong><span id=\"output-new-interest-rate\"><\/span>%<\/strong>\n    interest rate, you\n    <span class=\"payment-difference-is-negative\">can save<\/span>\n    <span class=\"payment-difference-is-positive\">will pay an additional<\/span>\n    <strong>$<span class=\"payment-difference\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    monthly and pay off your loan by\n    <strong><span id=\"new-loan-payoff-date\"><\/span><\/strong>.\n    The total cost of the new loan will be\n    <strong>$<span class=\"output-new-total\"><\/span><\/strong>.\n  <\/p>\n\n  <hr \/>\n  <div class=\"cta\">\n        <p>\n      <strong>Does refinancing make sense for you?<\/strong><br \/>\n      Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.\n    <\/p>\n    <p>\n      <a href=\"\/refinance-student-loans\" class=\"btn btn-lg btn-warning\">\n        Check Personalized Rates      <\/a><br \/>\n      <small>Checking rates won't affect your credit score<\/small>\n    <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/student-loans-without-cosigner\/\"><i>Taking Out Student Loans Without a Cosigner<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"fourth\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What shouldn\u2019t student loans be used for?<\/h2>\n<p>While student loans can help cover quite a few expenses, keep in mind that you\u2019ll have to pay back whatever you borrow. Because of this, it\u2019s important to borrow only what you need so you can keep your future repayment costs as low as possible.<\/p>\n<p>For example, some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/how-student-loans-can-be-used\/\">expenses you shouldn\u2019t use your student loans for<\/a> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vacations and travel<\/li>\n<li>A new vehicle<\/li>\n<li>Down payment on a house<\/li>\n<li>Entertainment<\/li>\n<li>Dining out often or expensive meals<\/li>\n<li>A new wardrobe<\/li>\n<li>Small-business expenses<\/li>\n<li>Your other debt<\/li>\n<li>Anyone else\u2019s expenses (like paying for a friend\u2019s tuition)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"fifth\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What happens if you use student loans for something you shouldn\u2019t?<\/h2>\n<p>Financial aid offices don\u2019t track exactly how students use their funds, so it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll get in trouble for using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/qualifying-for-financial-aid\/\">financial aid<\/a> or student loans in cases where you shouldn\u2019t. But if you spend more money than what\u2019s budgeted in your school\u2019s official cost of attendance, you could end up with fewer funds than you need to pay for other expenses \u2014 such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/how-to-pay-for-college-textbooks\/\">college textbooks<\/a> or fees.<\/p>\n<p>The Department of Education does have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/about\/offices\/list\/oig\/hotline.html\">hotline<\/a> where cases of misused funds, like federal student loans, can be reported. In that case, it may be reported as an incidence of fraud, since the Master Promissory Note loan document explicitly forbids misuse of funds.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLenders don&#8217;t monitor what you use the money on after it passes through the college or university. \u2026 However, I will warn you, the funds should not be used frivolously as it is still a loan that would have to be paid back with interest in most cases,\u201d Grant said.<br \/>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Before you spend extra financial aid or student loan money, ask yourself whether the expense you\u2019re considering is something that you need for your education \u2014 such as college housing or textbooks. If it isn\u2019t, it\u2019s best not to use the funds.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re worried that you\u2019ve already used some of your funds in the wrong way, chalk it up as a lesson for how not to spend funds in the future. You could also consider saving money from a job or other income source to replace those funds.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><a name=\"sixth\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Alternatives to using loans for living expenses<\/h2>\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to use loans to pay for living expenses, there are other options you can use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Apply for scholarships and grants:<\/b> Gift aid is always going to be a good option, the key is finding opportunities and sending in a great application. In general, going after more tailored options (like scholarships for mothers going back to college in your state, or for first-generation college students in your county) may be easier since you wouldn\u2019t be competing with a massive applicant pool, as you would with a national scholarship.<\/li>\n<li><b>Get a part-time job:<\/b> This can be a great way to pay for living expenses during college without taking on debt. If possible, look for an option that uses your existing skills and doesn\u2019t require too much time. That way, you won\u2019t compromise on study time.<\/li>\n<li><b>Tap into your savings:<\/b> If you\u2019re lucky enough to have money stashed away, it could make sense to tap into those funds, rather than take out debt to pay for living expenses in college. The key here is to ensure that you still have at least some cushion so you\u2019re covered if the unexpected happens. (So, it\u2019s a good idea to supplement this option with the other two to preserve some of those funds.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Other ways to potentially lower your costs overall include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Buying used textbooks or renting them<\/li>\n<li>Living off-campus and getting a roommate (or living at home, if possible)<\/li>\n<li>Carpooling with a friend who has a similar schedule to you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Check Out: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/on-campus-vs-off-campus-costs\/\"><i>Tuition &amp; Room and Board: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Costs<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"seventh\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What to do with leftover student loan money<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s best to borrow only what you need to pay for school and related costs so you can avoid excessive student loan payments in the future. But if you end up with extra federal or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\">private student loan<\/a> funds, there are a couple of ways to handle it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Pay it back immediately:<\/b> This would allow you to save the most amount of money on your loans, since you\u2019d reduce your principal balance and you wouldn\u2019t have to pay interest on that extra amount (assuming you repay it before an interest charge hits your account. This can vary depending on the type of loan, as well as the lender.) With federal student loans, you can cancel some or all of your disbursement within 120 days and return the money to your school.<\/li>\n<li><b>Save the money for necessary expenses: <\/b>If you have fluctuating or limited income, you might have a hard time getting the money you need for rent or other necessities each month. If you know that you\u2019ll need that money to pay for covered costs, like living expenses or a laptop for college, you also have the option to keep that cash and use it over the school year to pay for those costs.<\/li>\n<li><b>Use a combination of these two options:<\/b> \u201cLeftover student loans should be used for any living expenses the student needs to survive, and then the rest should be paid back to the student loan so it doesn&#8217;t capitalize once the student graduates,\u201d Grant said.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/past-due-tuition\/\"><i>How to Get Student Loans for Past-Due Tuition<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"eighth\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\n<h3>How can I live off student loans?<\/h3>\n<p>Most student loans can be used for any education-related expense, including living expenses. But you should keep in mind that some loans will have limitations on how much you can take out each year, and over the course of your education.<\/p>\n<p>For context, here are undergraduate and graduate student loan limits:<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1068\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1068\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\"><b>Loan type<\/b><\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><b>Loan limits<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Direct Subsidized Loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$3,500 to $5,500 per year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Direct Unsubsidized Loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><b>Dependent undergrad:<\/b> $5,500 to $7,500 per year ($31,000 total limit)<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<b>Independent undergrad:<\/b> $9,500 to $12,500 per school year ($57,500 total limit)<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<b>Graduate and professional:<\/b> $20,500 per year<br \/>\n($138,500 total limit)<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Direct PLUS Loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Private student loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Up to the cost of attendance (though it varies by lender)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p>Keep in mind that both federal and private student loans have their own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/student-loan-requirements\/\">student loan requirements<\/a>. To qualify for federal student loans, you must have financial need and be enrolled at least half time at an eligible school. With private student loans, you\u2019ll typically need good credit and verifiable income to qualify \u2014 though exact requirements can vary by lender.<br \/>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Some private lenders offer student loans for bad credit \u2014 but these loans tend to come with higher interest rates compared to good credit loans.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re struggling to get approved for a private student loan, consider applying with a cosigner to improve your chances. Even if you don\u2019t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you\u2019d get on your own.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><b><i>Check Out:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/denied-with-cosigner\/\"><i>What to Do If You\u2019re Denied a Student Loan With a Cosigner<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>How do I get financial aid for living expenses?<\/h3>\n<p>The first step is to complete the FAFSA. This will determine the amount of financial aid that you\u2019re eligible for, based on factors like your student status (independent or dependent), your school\u2019s cost of attendance, and your year in school.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re a dependent student, it will also be affected by your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/how-to-calculate-your-student-loan-expected-family-contribution-efc\/\">Expected Family Contribution<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>How should students pay for monthly expenses?<\/h3>\n<p>Ideally, you\u2019d get grants or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/college-scholarships\/\">scholarships<\/a> to cover those expenses, since they don\u2019t require you to pay back those funds and don\u2019t incur interest charges. You have several other options too, including: getting a job, dipping into savings, and using leftover student loan funds.<\/p>\n<h3>Should I use a personal loan to pay for living expenses?<\/h3>\n<p>While you may be able to use a personal loan to pay for living expenses during school, you should think twice before doing so. Personal loans can have significantly higher rates than student loans, which means they can be more expensive, long-term. Plus, you wouldn\u2019t have access to the federal borrower protections associated with federal student loans, like income-driven repayment and forbearance.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use my student loan to buy a car?<\/h3>\n<p>No. You can use student loans to pay for transportation to and from your school, but a new car would not be possible.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use my student loan to pay off credit cards?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Student loans cannot be used to pay for expenses that aren\u2019t directly related to education. So using those funds to pay off other debts is prohibited.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Compare student loan rates from top lenders<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"list--iconArrow accent--isGreen\">\n<li>Multiple lenders compete to get you the best rate<\/li>\n<li>Get actual rates, not estimated ones<\/li>\n<li>Finance almost any degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\">See Your Rates<\/a><br \/>\n<small>Checking rates will not affect your credit<\/small><\/p>\n<p><!-- TrustBox widget - Micro Combo --><\/p>\n<div class=\"trustpilot-widget\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-template-id=\"5419b6ffb0d04a076446a9af\" data-businessunit-id=\"5536ec090000ff00057eebe7\" data-style-height=\"20px\" data-style-width=\"100%\" data-theme=\"light\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/www.credible.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trustpilot<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- End TrustBox widget --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/author\/dzinn\/\">Dori Zinn<\/a> has contributed to the reporting of this article<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Student loans can be used for any education-related expenses, which include living expenses during college. So if you have any of those funds left over after college costs, such as tuition and fees, you may&hellip; <a class=\"more \" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/student-loans-living-expenses\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":206,"featured_media":53400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1499],"class_list":{"0":"post-2912","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-refinance-student-loans","8":"tag-student-loan-basics-sidebar","9":"student-loans-living-expenses-2","11":"post_tag-student-loan-basics-sidebar"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Use Student Loans for Living Expenses | Credible<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Student loans can be used to pay for your living expenses during school. 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