In Nebraska, graduates from public and private nonprofit four-year colleges average $27,000 in student loan debt.* Student loans can be a good resource as long as you borrow wisely. Here are some tips that may help: • Make sure the college you plan to attend is a good fit. Transferring to a different school can add additional years of college and loan debt. • Compare the estimated starting salary of your future career to your estimated college debt to ensure you can afford future loan payments. Find a “debt/salary wizard” calculator at mappingyourfuture.org/paying/debtwizard/ . • When you receive your financial aid offer, accept only the amount in student loans needed to help pay for tuition, fees, books, housing, and food. • Work while you go to college and use the money you earn to pay personal expenses. • Keep track of your federal student loan debt at studentaid.gov so you’re not surprised when it’s time to graduate. HOW TO MANAGE STUDENT LOAN DEBT
*Source: https://ticas.org/interactive-map/
ESTIMATED LOAN PAYMENTS OVER 10 YEARS
Direct Loan for students
PLUS Loan for parents
5.50% interest
8.05% interest
Amount Borrowed
Monthly Payment Amount
$3,500 $5,500 $8,000 $12,000 $13,500 $19,000 $23,000 $27,000 $31,000
$50* $60 $87 $130 $147 $206 $250 $293 $337
$50* $67 $97 $146 $164 $231 $280 $329 $377
Check out the Student Loan Simulator at StudentAid.gov/loan-simulator
*Minimum loan payment, will take less than 10 years to repay the loan.
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