Best recommendations for a student loan?.....

[EducationIsTheKey]

I know this topic / question has been asked ad nauseum, but I am clueless and am looking for help.

 

My background in a nut-shell:

 

1. Attended a community college back in the 90's and had a student loan.

2. Took me years to pay off the student loan, which was in default, but I paid it off.

3. Now I am attending a 4-yr. university, am in my junior yr., and looking to stay in school til I graduate.

4. Am 32, employed (about $20k+), and funds are tight, so seeking a loan.

5. For the 2007/08 school yr, I have been awared $3000 in grants and I took a $5000 subsy loan.

6. Still need about another $14k for school.

7. Credit score is not great, 631, but I have been spotless on payments for the last 3+ yrs.

 

Need recommendations on who I should apply to for a student loan / continuing education loan? No co-signer will be available, so it's all a solo deal.

For some reason, I would like to avoid Sallie Mae. Just a gut feeling.

 

Should I just apply to one provider, or a couple of them?

How will applying affect my credit score?

 

All help / advice much appreciated.