to make this short, as the title suggests...i need some advice on getting a student loan. Im a junior in college and dont have any loans, but im considering getting my first loan since im taking one class that is almost 5,000$ which is nearly double what normal tuition is for a full semester (14 hours) therefore i think it would be a good idea to get a loan. I dont know much about loans or anything and havent really looked into it because of the fact that im white, middle class, male with average grades. The people i have talked to about getting a grant say that my parents make "too much" money. Id prefer to get a loan that is only in my name (no co-signer). So, if you have any suggestions please let me know, and pardon my ignorance

Fortunately FA doesnt care about your sex, race or grades. You will have to fill out a FAFSA to see what you are eligible for. If you are under 24, your FA will be based on you and your parents income. Have you read your schools FA site?? Normally that outlines loans, grants and other types of aid available.

[i] Do you attend the University of oklahoma??

what gave it away?

As a junior, even if are dependent for financial aid purposes and your parents are Bill and Melinda Gates, you can still qualify for what's called a Stafford Unsubsidized Loan for up to $5,500. There is no credit check and no co-signer--you the student are the borrower for this loan.

Interest accrues while you're in school at a favorable rate. Currently, they're variable rate (maximum 8.25%) but loans disbursed after June will be a 6.8% fixed rate. And even if you aren't eligible for grants, you may still be able to get a subsidized loan. As the previous poster said, definitely fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov). There's lots of good information at http://www.finaid.org and at your school's Financial Aid Office.

Have you filled out the FAFSA? And are you going at least half-time (it sounds like you're only taking one course)?

If you're not attending at least half-time, I'm not sure you'll be able to qualify for state/federal grants and/or federal loans. It doesn't hurt to try though. Definately fill out the FAFSA though.

Otherwise, I'd look into educational loans at places like local credit unions, national credit unions (there's a list of them at MarvBear's creditpulls site), or possibly Sallie Mae, or regular banks (Citi, BofA, etc). However, I don't know what the requirements would be for those places.

i am full time. i was just saying that the cost of ONE (3 credit hour) class i am planning on taking is TWICE the cost of 14 hours. The reason I am inquiring about a loan is to relieve the financial burden because by my rough calculations a semester with this class will cost nearly 8,000 when ive NEVER had a semester cost more than 2,500. If anything else seems unclear i will be more than happy to clarify things i appreciate all the information you guys/girls are providing me

bump

What's the bump for?

Have you filled out your FAFSA yet? Did it say what your EFC was approximately and you'll then need to wait for your college to receive it and figure out any financial aid you qualify for that way. If ya don't qualify for any then you can look into getting private loans, but I don't know about those. I would assume those educational loans would depend on your credit score as to whether or not you'd need a co-signor.