Student Loan Confusion

<p>Alright, I'm receiving 7000 a year in scholarships/grants from IU. They estimate a year to cost 19000 (including books, transportation, and personal supplies). My parents have very little in savings so we're taking out loans to cover everything, so that's 12000. I'm getting almost 3000 a year in federal subsidized loans and about 500 a year in federal unsubsidized loans.. so that leaves 8500 for private loans or some other loan solution. We don't really know where to turn or what is true now about student loans. I know there were (are?) a lot of scandals going around so I don't know where to go to. Where are some trustworthy places to look into? My parents have good credit, I have none. What would be your advice in terms of taking out the money to cover all 4 years vs taking it out a year at a time, paying the interest now vs paying it after I graduate, all that kind of stuff?</p>

<p>thanks for any info you can pass my way</p>

<p>don't borrow today what you will need 3+ years from now. If you take a private loan, it will be accumulating interest for all that time. Also, some loans (like the PLUS) require repayment shortly after you get the money. Unlike Stafford/Perkins that wait until after you graduate.</p>