Borrow only what you need

Your aid offer may include more loan money than you need. You can usually accept part of a loan, or decline it, and every dollar you borrow is a dollar plus interest to repay.

How to decide

1. Add up what you'll actually owe the school
2. Add realistic living costs you can't cover otherwise
3. Subtract grants, scholarships, work and savings
4. Borrow the difference, not the maximum

Think about the payment

StudentAid.gov has a loan simulator to estimate future monthly payments. Compare them with typical starting pay in your field.

General educational information. Aid rules change; check StudentAid.gov. Pocket Change Hub isn't paid by any lender, card company, school or textbook seller.