It might happen that you or any other member of your family is planning to join a college and you don't have enough money to pay tuition fee and other expenses. Then what do you do? The first solution to your problem is scholarships or grants provided by the government but if you are not enough poor and intelligent to grab a federal grant, then the only solution is student loans.

But most of us don't know how to choose a better option of college loans.

Here are some tips to follow before applying for college loans:

Make a list of colleges that interest you (Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Harward or others of your choice.)

Also make a list of college, which you are likely to get into.

After making both the lists decide how much money you would like to borrow as a student loan, which can be obtained by adding the given data:

Fees, Tuition, Campus expenses, if you wish to live in hostel provided by college, Food, transportation, lab fees and other relevant expenses.

Now it's turn to search for a better lender, who will finance you. Most of the colleges or universities have their own list of lenders who can provide you suitable college loan. If you are unable to find any suitable lender in their list then you are recommended to visit financial institutions located in your area. Almost all the lenders have their websites so, check their norms and terms.

Some lenders offer attractive offers like interest reduction, discounts and rebate programs. So spend a little time to search lender with beneficial offers.

The most popular type of student loans are:

1. Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are suitable for both undergraduates and graduates. Both unsubsidized as well as subsidized options are available.

2. Plus Loans

Suitable for parents of undergraduates.

3. Private college loans or student loans: Private student loan or private college loan is meant for additional funds.

Before applying for a student loan or private student loan you should try your best to get any grant or scholarship just to minimize the burden of loan.