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December 5, 2011
Start Your College Loan Search Early

Now is the time to start looking into your student loan options for next year. Find out a few helpful tips for beginning your search and taking advantage of your options.

Transcript

If you have a kid heading off to college next fall, it's not too soon to start investigating your student loan options.

First, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. It's required by almost every college, university and career school. Get this form from your school guidance counselor or financial aid office, by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID or going to f-a-f-s-a.ed.gov. That's also where you'll find information on different loans available.

Although the federal deadline for classes starting in the fall isn't until June 30, don't delay: Aid deadlines for many states and individual colleges can be months earlier. Check the FAFSA website for details.\n

Bottom line: The sooner you get started, the better chance you have of finding college funding.

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