n Ultrasonographer – After obtaining an associate degree , sonographers go on to prepare patients for procedures , review and process images for physicians , and administer ultrasounds . They are also responsible for operating imaging equipment .
Types of Educational Loans
Getting accepted into a college or university is one of the most exciting times of a student ’ s life and is the first step in shaping a variety of careers . Many institutions offer myriad grants or scholarships to assist with the cost of postsecondary education , but often these are not enough . Student loans provide financial assistance for students to cover the fees associated with attending a college or career school , including tuition , supplies , books , and living expenses .
There are several types of loans available including needbased , non-need-based , state , and private .
Need-based loans are provided to students who are unable to pay the amount needed to cover all costs to attend college . Need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ), which can be completed online at no cost . Need-based loans are available as a Federal Perkins Loan , awarded to students with the highest need , or a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan , provided interest-free while in college .
If the FAFSA determines that a student is ineligible for a need-based loan , non-need-based loan options are available as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Federal Direct PLUS Loan . Unsubsidized loans allow the borrower to add interest to the total amount borrowed after graduation , but beware : this leads to owing even more money when it comes time to start paying off the loan . Direct PLUS Loans provide graduate students or parents the opportunity to borrow the total cost of attending college , minus other financial aid received .
Unlike the loans mentioned above that are sponsored by the federal government , state and private loans are sponsored by banks , colleges , foundations , and state agencies . The U . S . Department of Education manages all college loans available by state and requires students to be in-state residents or enrolled in a college in that state . Private loans are an option for borrowers but come with terms and conditions that may not be as favorable as federal loans . Private loans also require a cosigner who is responsible for repaying the money if the student fails to do so .
Continued on next page >
WEST MIFFLIN ❘ FALL 2022 29