Javier Said:

Is there any way to get some help from the gov. in paying off student loans after you graduate from college?

We Answered:

There is help out there if you meet certain criteria such as teaching in a critical need area such as teaching in an inner city school or special education for up to 5 years. Also, there are other programs with the Peace Corps (15% a year up to 70% maximum) or Americorp (forgives $4725 a year). If the choices do not work, I recommend consolidating your student loans which can lower your student loan payments and interest at the same time. I am including some links which can help.

Eddie Said:

Government paying off student loans for educators?

We Answered:

They help pay, but they dont pay all of it.

Peter Said:

Anybody know info about military paying off student loans?

We Answered:

Well if you go in and you have a Degree in anything you get a high rank right off I have no clue about the Student Loan part but if you get told something get it in writing from the MEPS office. You don't sign anything until you get what Station your going to what job you will have everything little thing in writing and keep a copy of it cause you can get crewed out of what you want and you may even get a bonus as well so look into it first. Oh by the way The recruiting office can never tell you what you will get in anything only MEPS can. So don't listen to the Recruiters all they want is for you to sign up that is it they don't care about you.

Connie Said:

my husband is having trouble paying off his student loans. anyone know of any places that help pay them off?

We Answered:

Well, I don't know about the baby, but I know about this US
Federal program that helpped my son:


This is a free, U.S. Government program (no fees or other charges)


No credit checks


No pre-payment penalties


Your payment will be reduced by as much as 60% each month


You will have to write just one check each month for your student loans


All information is secure and confidential

Good luck!

Corey Said:

Are there any alternatives for paying off student loans other than working?

We Answered:

I believe the military will pay off up to $65,000 for active duty enlistment. Certain volunteer work or teaching can qualify for loan forgiveness as well.

Did you try to obtain deferment or forbearance? The loans in default are no longer eligible, but if you have anything else that you owe, in good standing, and can't pay, I'd talk to someone ASAP.

Lastly, is the issue that you can't find a job that will cover expenses, or can't find a job, period? If the former is the case then I recommend heading over to McDonalds/Starbucks/Wal-Mart...ANYTHING that will supply you with an income is better than nothing. Just remember it's only temporary. It's not an easy time for anyone right now. My father, with 30 years of business experience under his belt, went from a nearly 100K salary to a job that barely pays more than minimum wage. Things happen, so do whatever is necessary, whether its serving food, basic training, whatever, to make it better.

Marc Said:

Paying off student loans as a teacher?

We Answered:

Dear Paying off student loans as a teacher!

Well I hope this information can help. First of all I am 27 years old and have been teaching for 5 years now. I was in the EXACT same situation. I have an 11 year old son so I understand how family is a priority. I don't know how far you are in your college education but please listen carefully. I relied on financial aide to get through the first 2 years of college then I had to rely on loans once I transferred to a 4 year university. If I wanted to pursue my dream of teaching I knew I had to sacrifice so basically I lived off of financial aide and student loans to survive.

Like I said before, I have been teaching for 5 years and have not started paying off my loans yet. I borrowed a grand total of 40,000 to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies. The reason I have not paid it back is because IF your still enrolled in school you do not have to make payments toward your loan. Once you complete your credential and your master's degree then you have one year to start making payments. Which most likely you will be in school because after your bachelor's degree you have to get a teaching credential. I am currently working on my master's degree so I don't have to start paying on my loans until I finish graduate school. During this time, my salary is increasing every year. I live in California so the staring salary is 36, 000 as a first year teacher. Now I am currently making 42,000 a year. I haven't paid one cent toward my student loans. I wouldn't be able to afford it as a first year teacher.

Now once I start making payments, my monthly payments will be under $200 a month because I consolidated my loans when interest rates were very low. Yes, get all of your loans and consolidate them into one. As long as the interest rate is low. I know you hear stories about students paying a lot of money each month but you have to do it the smart way. I will be able to afford this amount because my salary consisitantly increases every year. It will do the same for you! Once I complete my master's degree, it will increase even more because of the amount of units I have taken.

So basically as long as your enrolled in college, you do not have to begin making payments. This is called a deferment of payment. This is why I have pursued my master's degree. It takes two years to complete a master's degree so this gives me more time to prepare for the monthly payments of 200 a month. Plus, once I receive a master's my pay increases almost 8000 more a year. More education, More money!

TIP! Even after i finish my master's degree, i can apply for a forbearance. Which gives me an additional year to pay off my loans due to financial hardship. I probabaly won't do it, but it's an option.

The other good news is that 18000 of my student loans were paid off by the state because of a program called APLE. If you teach in a school that is considered economically disadvantaged which most schools are, then they help pay off part of your loan. You have to apply in the beginning of the year and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Once you complete your bachelor's degree, try to get an internship at any school that will accept you. I didn't even do student teaching because a school in my community gave me an internship. I started teaching a month after I graduated from college. This internship even paid me a regular teaching salary. Some schools may require you to have your credential but some schools will not. So while I was teaching I was in college finishing my teaching credential.

Please believe me when I say that things will be OK. You will endure financial hardships and have some gloomy days when it gets tough. I have been there. Eating Top Ramen way too often, living in low income apts, not having a reliable car to travel to school. Some days even crying myself to sleep wondering if it will pay off. It does, think about it this way. The 40, 000 that I currently owe is basically paid for with just one year of teaching. It makes sense to sacrifice in the beginning because now I am set for life and now my son can enjoy a comfortable life as well.
The benefits are great for teachers as well. Pensions are awesome.

My husband is a teacher as well and now we have two incomes. We come from poverty and know how it is to struggle. We are first generation college graduates as well. We are able to do things that we would never be able to do if we didn't get an education.

Please forgive me, I know this is more info than you probably wanted but you have to know that other people have walked in your shoes.

Please don't give up on your dream because it is possible and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I know you say that your child is first and your career is second.
The best gift you can ever give your child is an educated mommy!

Shane Said:

Help paying off student loans?

We Answered:

collegefinder.bebto.com - try this site. It has info about different US student loans and scholarships.