Simply put, student loan default happens when borrowers do not pay their student loans as agreed in the contract. In this article, read and find out more about student loan defaults and how to avoid them.
Borrowers who default on their student loans mean they did not pay back their loans as previously agreed in a contract. Defaulting on student loans can have a serious impact on a borrower’s financial life. The loan issuer will be forced to get their money back in other possible ways. This means that the borrower can be sent to a debt collector and be burdened with fees for the loan balance. It is possible to get federal student loans out of default. However, it is not very likely with private student loans.According to an article from MARCA, the most critical impact a default on student loans can leave is a direct hit to a borrower’s credit. This means a borrower can lose access to other federal financial assistance and have their wage withheld from paychecks. In addition, tax refunds can also be withheld and companies can charge borrowers with excessive fees.
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How to Avoid Student Loan Default
As stated in Federal Student Aid, to avoid student loan default, a borrower must fully understand their loan agreement and the types of loans they are receiving. Unlike grants or scholarships, loans must be repaid. It is also important to borrow only what is needed for school expenses and not more than what can be paid. If there is trouble making monthly payments, immediately contact the loan servicer. A borrower may be able to change repayment plans for a lower monthly payment, change the deadline of the monthly payments, have an income-driven repayment plan, or get a postponement or leniency.
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