When it comes to graduate student loans, the rules for graduate school are similar to the ones for college. Federal loans are your best option because you will get a better rate than you would with private loans. Here are the steps you need to take to get the best graduate school financial aid package possible:

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Send off the form at the beginning of the year when you plan to attend school. Even if your taxes are incomplete, fill the FAFSA out based on estimates because loans are given on a first-come, first-serve basis, and competition for graduate school funding is tighter than for undergrad programs, especially when economic times are tough. (more…)