Forget about grades.  Forget about fitting in.  One of the biggest challenges to attaining a higher education is financing your degree.  There are a number of options to consider, including a Citibank student loan.

What is a Citibank Student Loan

Citibank student loans are federally guaranteed loans financed through the bank with which many of us are familiar.  The subsidiary of Citibank that manages these loans is called the “Student Loan Corporation.”  You can find out more about the program at:  https://studentloan.citibank.com/s/slcsite/.

Why Consider a Citibank Student Loan

There are many advantages of borrowing for college through a large financial institution like Citibank.  First of all, it is unlikely that you will have any problems with your financing institution going bankrupt or being forced to sell your loan to another vendor.

Second, you are able to take advantage of many of the services that Citibank can offer, such as its tremendously useful and accessible website.

Finally, and perhaps most important, while the term “Citibank student loan” generally refers to the loans the Citibank makes on behalf of the federal government, be aware that Citibank, the institution, offers CitiAssist loans for those who need funding beyond what’s available from the federal government.

Getting Started

Where’s a good place to start?  The Frequently Asked Questions page on the site offers many insights into the Citibank student loan process.  At the site, you’ll learn the answers to questions such as:

• Who is eligible for financial aid?  The FAQs clarify that, among other things, US Citizens (or eligible noncitizens) with High School diplomas or GEDs are eligible.  In addition, for certain loans, you will need to be enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution of higher learning.
• What is the FAFSA form?  This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.  Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that you fill out the form and you’ll get free student aid.  This is simply the form that you fill out to identify your financial need and eligibility for various programs.
• When should you start applying for financial aid?  The answer, in general, is as soon as possible, but no later than the December before you decide to enroll.

Through the Citibank student loan site, you can also learn about special offers from Citibank for your school.  Just click on the special offers link and type in the name of your school – who knows what you’ll find!

In addition to the Frequently Asked Questions, you’ll find a range of resources at the site for planning for college – many of which go beyond the simple question of financing.  Some of the topics explored include:

• What colleges look for:  For example, did you know that a wide mix of activities is almost as or sometimes more important than academic performance?
• Choosing a school:  Have you considered retention and graduation rates of the schools you’re considering?  They’ll tell you a great deal about how much students enjoy their experience.
• Taking standardized tests:  Not all schools require the same tests.  Learn the questions to ask through this site.

If you’re ready to make an investment in yourself by attaining a post high school degree, look at some of the ways a Citibank student loan might be able to help you.