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CONSIDER THIS: Paying Down Student Loans
Forty-six percent of respondents to a 2016 Mid-Year Consumer Survey conducted by Georgia Credit Union Affiliates (GCUA) either have unpaid student loans or have someone in their immediate family who does. One-third of those with student loan debt aren’t making monthly payments at this time.
Of those with student loan debt, 45 percent said they owe $20,000 or more, according to the survey. Twenty percent said they owe between $10,000 and $20,000. Thirty-six percent said they owe somewhere between zero and $10,000.
Thirty-four percent of respondents said they aren’t making monthly payments on their student loans at this time, 14 percent said they are currently making the minimum monthly payments and only 9 percent said they are paying more than the minimum payment each month.
The country’s combined student loan debt load is more than $1.35 trillion. A 2016 college graduate is projected to have $37,000 in student loan debt, according to Huffington Post. Student loan debt is increasing because government grants and support for postsecondary education have failed to keep pace with increases in college costs, Time reports. This has shifted much of the burden of paying for college from federal and state governments to families.
Insider’s Perspective:
“We see a lot of student loan debt since we’re an educationally-based credit union,” said Savannah Schools Federal Credit Union EVP Ashley Norris. “We see students who drag out their degrees and end up owing a lot more in the long run.”
Norris said in order to avoid a bunch of debt, educate yourself on options prior to applying for student loans.
“Find out what the interest rate is on various loans prior to applying, know what your monthly payments will be ahead of time,” Norris said. “Another important factor is to anticipate the job market when it comes to choosing your degree. Find out the average pay rate versus the cost of living and make sure to include the student loan payment cost. Educating members about their options is key to combatting student loan debt before it starts.”
If you already have student loan debt, Norris suggests calling the loan company and seeing if it will work with you to consolidate for a more affordable monthly payment.
“Pay them down now, even if you’re still in school,” said Norris. “You can also participate in city projects or job positions that offer loan forgiveness.”
Tips to pay down student loan debt:
- Refinance – Consolidating and refinancing your loans can help you pay off your loans faster. Credit Unions typically offer lower interest rates on loans. To learn more about credit unions in your community visit: http://www.asmarterchoice.org/.
- Use a cash windfall – If you suddenly come across extra money from an inheritance or settlement, use part -if not all – of it to pay down your student loan debt.
- Pay more – Make more than the minimum payment each month, even if it’s only $10-$20. Anything extra will go directly towards the principal, which means less interest owed in the long run.
- Student loan forgiveness – Investigate job opportunities with companies offering student loan forgiveness. Certain jobs such as public service work or teaching may offer forgiveness for part or all of your student loans.
Click here for video tips and to read the release online.
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