What is the best option for student loans? Some background: I'm going
to be a senior in the fall at a major state university, and I'm
majoring in Political Science and Economics.  I'm looking strictly for
loans at this point, not scholarship options.  Could you help me find
the best interest rates, repayment plans, and any other information
necessary to help me find the best place to borrow from.  I'll
probably need around $5,000.  Thanks!

---

Clarification of Question by rleatham-ga on 03 Aug 2005 10:08 PDT

I go to school in Oregon if that helps with finding local options

---

Clarification of Question by rleatham-ga on 03 Aug 2005 14:18 PDT

I don't qualify for most forms of financial aid, so subsidized federal
loans are probably out of the question.  (Though I wish they were an
option).

The subsidized Stafford loan may be the lowest cost, but there's an
array of programs that should be investigated from Pell grants to
alternative loan programs:
Stafford Loan
http://www.staffordloan.com/financial-aid-101/federal-aid-programs.php

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

If you must go with an unsubsidised loan, a fixed rate will likely
treat you better than a variable rate at this time.

The variable rate will be lower for the time being, but rates will be
rising in the near future and you could end up paying out the wazoo if
your rate is not fixed.  **and by wazoo I mean very bad things :)