Who Can Get Federal Education Loans?

United States citizens, residents, and certain refugee status claimants all have access to federal student loans.To apply for federal funding, you must be enrolled at least full-time at an approved university or college.Generally, this means that your school must be accredited and must be recognized as a valuable learning institution. You can get Federal student funding whether you are enrolled as an undergraduate, or as a graduate.You generally qualify whether you are enrolled in the arts, professional programs, the sciences, or other major degree fields.

How Can You Get a Federal Education Loan?

If you qualify for federal student loans, you must apply early using the FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid) at your school's financial aid office or online.Generally, there will be a third party -- your school, a bank, or some other institution -- that will be overseeing the funds and managing them for you.Most companies will allow you to manage and see your federal education loan online.

After you apply, you'll have to wait into to get approval. At that time, you will learn how much money you qualify for and what your interest rates will be. You'll also learn the exact details of your loan. Depending on the loan and the third party you have applied through, your money will generally go to the school you are attending, although in some cases you may get the money directly to pay the school yourself.

Federal education loans have helped millions of students get a quality education. If you need money to attend college or university, and you qualify for federal aid, a government education loan can help you pay for your degree program. Statistics have borne out the fact that most students find these loans affordable and beneficial. The higher earning power you will enjoy as a college graduate will generally make a federal education loan well worth the cost.