Borrowing money is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider before taking out a loan, such as the overall cost of the school you choose to attend and the impact of these loans on your and your family’s financial future.
Before signing a student loan agreement, be sure you've tried to find free money for college through scholarships and grants and that you understand all the terms of the loan. Angela Howze, a certified student loan professional (CSLP) that reviewed this article, recommends minimizing the number of college courses you need to take by getting as many general education credits as you can while still in high school and deciding on your major early.