Tips include to shop around, look at details, understand approval criteria, and know the details about the Federal PLUS Loan.…

Strategies include make a plan, think about the payoff order, prioritize, spend less, and make more. …

Get the facts including interest rates, no application or origination fees, instant decision on complete applications, multiple repayment options, set monthly payments, and expert guidance. …

Before borrowing, take into consideration what you expect to make in your first job, what your loan payment will look like when you graduate, and what you estimate your other future expenses to be. …

Tips for a healthy credit score include pulling your free annual credit report, identifying the credit score you have and the credit score you need, knowing how your credit score is calculated, and raising your score if necessary. …

Next steps include signing the MEFA Loan Agreement (MLA) and Self-Certification Form, having the college certify the loan, setting up an account with our servicer American Education Services (AES), returning excess funds, and making voluntary payments if you wish to do so. …

MEFA is excited to be a part of ForYouNotForProfit.org, which includes information on financial aid and scholarships, guidance on establishing a college savings account, and a streamlined search engine to help students and parents find education loans through non-profit and state-chartered organizations.…

You may see Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, a MA No Interest Loan, or a PLUS Loan.…

Learn how transferring affects student loans, how to make sure a new school receives your loan funds, and how to increase your loan amount. …

Websites include StudentAid.gov, fafsa.gov, StudentAid.gov/fsa-id, and MyEDDebt.ed.gov.…