I used Citibank for all of my student loans. I found them to have low interest rates, good customer service and a good website to help you keep track of your loans. I found it convenient to have all my loans through one company. It made keeping track of the paperwork easier and consolidation was a snap. I have not had any of the “horror stories” that float around about student loan companies happen to me, and I felt that Citibank kept me very informed about my options when interest rates and laws changed. I also got a private student loan through them when I had exhausted my federal loans. They gave me a good interest rate on that too. Good luck!

You should always apply for a federal government loan before you apply for a government loan.

Here’s what you need to do for a federal loan:

1) Fill out the FAFSA. This will determine if you are eligible for financial aid. Go here:

2) Once you are eligible for aid, choose a government-based student loan. The best loan to get is a Federal Perkins Loan. These have low interest rates and the government will help you pay it back as long as you stay enrolled in school. You also don’t need a cosigner or good credit for it. For more info go here:

3) The next best loan to get is a Subsidized Stafford Loan. This has many of the same benefits as a Perkins Loan. Learn more here:

You can also try to get a grant or scholarship, which is free money that you won’t have to pay back. You can read about them here:

And here are some good sites that offer grants and scholarships:

Good luck!