Choosing A Lender for Stafford Loan

<p>Does anyone here on CC have experience – good or bad – with any of the lenders on BC’s “suggested” list? (Chase, Discover, NelNet, Wells Fargo, Sallie Mae, etc.) Interest rates and fees seem to be identical for all, so I’m looking for any information that would help us choose the lender for our son’s unsubsidized Stafford loan.</p>

<p>I’m an incoming freshmen and I chose to use Citibank as I’m already affiliated with them as my bank.</p>

<p>I don’t know if that helps any, but I thought I’d throw in my 2 cents. :)</p>

<p>My mom chose Sallie Mae, mostly because we are already using them for the tuition monthly payment plan. Besides, we don’t trust the major banks these days. They’ll find any excuse to tack on additional charges and fees.</p>

<p>^Sallie Mae? Really? There are way too many horror stories affiliated with them post-college when repayment begins. I’d steer clear.</p>

<p>One is just as good as another. Don’t be surprised if a bank rejects you. You will probably need a co-signer to get decent rates, and some banks demand a co-signer regardless. Compare disbursement fees, as interest rates are probably close. </p>

<p>I think all the loans may be administered by Sallie Mae, at least that’s where I send interest payments on my old unsubsidized citizens bank loan.</p>

<p>^^ I think the OP is talking about the Stafford Loan that the student usually takes out and it about ~$3000?</p>

<p>Not a loan with the cosigning; I did mine through ASA (American Student Assistance). I think this might be what worried was talking about. If not then I’m sorry, might have confused you a bit with my answer.</p>

<p>Yes, imac15, you’ve got it right. I’m talking about a federal Stafford Loan (unsubsidized in our case) that my son will be taking out. No co-signor is needed, and all of the lenders on BC’s list take applications through amsa.com (American Students Assistance), except for Discover. </p>

<p>I’m just wondering, since they all offer identical terms, if there is any advantage/disadvantage to choosing a particular lender? Perhaps from a customer service standpoint?</p>