We hear it so often -- questions like "I need a student loan - what do I do?" or "How do I qualify for a Stafford federal student loan or a Parent PLUS loan?" Should I take out a private student loan?

Financial Aid Officer is a step in the right direction! Our site includes information on federal and private student loans as well as their loan application request forms. Here's the basic set of steps to help you get started, linking to services in the Student Loan Network.

1. Find scholarships.

• Scholarships are unquestionably the best source of financing, since money you don't have to pay them back.
• The Internet provides access to all kinds of information and services; some are worth paying for, some are free.
• Visit the Student Scholarship Search College scholarships Web site to enlist the assistance of our scholarship experts.
• Win Free Scholarships at ScholarshipPoints.com

2. Get federal student loans.

• Federal loans have low interest rates and are guaranteed by the government.
• Students should complete a FAFSA form first.
• Students should then apply for Federal Student Loans.
• Parents and family members should apply for PLUS Loans - note that you do not have to be a parent, just a family member with good credit!

3. Get private student loans.

• Private student loans are the best option for students, parents, and families who do not qualify for federal financial aid or federal financial aid isn't enough to meet education expenses.
• Parents and family members are strongly encouraged to cosign private loans.
• Apply for a private alternative student loan online - you'll get an answer in minutes.
• If you're looking to study abroad, you'll need a Study Abroad Loan.

4. When you're done with school, consolidate!

• Once you've graduated (or are graduating in the next couple of months) the smartest thing to do is consolidate your school loans.
• Student loan consolidation reduces your monthly payment and lets you make one easy payment.
• Student loan consolidation also locks your rates in at one of the lowest rates in 39 years.
• Apply for student loan consolidation now.

Who we are: FinancialAidOfficer.com, a privately managed resource site, is part of the Student Loan Network - your online guide to federal Stafford, PLUS, and alternative student loans. We will walk you through loan process, from completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to completing the application through receiving your check. Hopefully, all your questions will be answered here.

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Financial Aid 101

Please also visit:

Federal PLUS Loan - For Parents of Undergraduate Students:
Click Here - Parent PLUS Loan

Federal Stafford Loan - For Undergraduate Students:
Click Here - Stafford Loan

Private Student Loan - When Federal Aid Isn't Enough:
Click Here - Private Student Loans

Consolidation- For information on loan consolidation options:
Click here - Student Loan Consolidation

FAFSA Form - Free Application for Federal Student Aid:
Click Here - FAFSA Form Online

College Admissions Help - Online Application Guide:
Click Here - How To Get In To College

529 Savings Plans - For information on 529 plans:
Click Here - 529 College Savings

Free Newsletter - For the latest news and scholarships:
Click here - Financial Aid News