Numerous lenders offer private student loans—banks, credit unions, and other lenders among them. But with so many choices, how do you choose? For most borrowers, the determining factors boil down to cost and repayment flexibility. Students must always consider federal loans first because they’re less expensive, more available, and offer more favorable repayment terms than private loans. Federal Parent PLUS loans and private student loans are utilized primarily as additional financing for students who attend more-expensive schools. All that being said, reaching the Federal Stafford loan caps could mean that you’re taking on too much. If your overall debt at graduation is more than your income, you’ll struggle to pay back your loans, and you may need you to have backup plans such as extended or income-driven repayment. … Read more