Student Loans
Pursuing a college education is a great investment in your future. The time, money and effort you spend on your education will provide you with opportunities for expanded career choices and greater earning potential. Although financing your education may seem overwhelming at times, many types of financial aid are available.

Federal Student Loans
Due to a change in federal law, all Federal Stafford, PLUS and Grad PLUS loans issued on or after July 1, 2010, will be through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan). This change will impact only new loans.

Direct Loan funds will be disbursed directly to your school from the federal government rather than through North Star Community Credit Union or another Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) servicer or lender. To learn more about funding your college education, visit the Federal Student Aid website at http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp.

Private Student Loans
Private student loans can help bridge the gap between any government and institutional student aid you receive and the amount needed to attend your school of choice. Applying for a supplemental private student loan should be considered only after you have exhausted all other sources of federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. Additional information is available at www.studentloan.org/FillTheGap.

Additional College Planning Assistance
If you are looking for information on planning for, applying to, paying for and succeeding in college, North Star Community Credit Union recommends the Iowa College Access Network® (ICAN). ICAN offers free services, including assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to students and their families. Visit www.ICANsucceed.org or call (877) 272-4692 for more information about ICAN.