factors lenders mind lower bills rate fees checklist able course repayment typically great life secure option process early number debt private perkins remember back program fico students loan benefits creditors professional rates grace health answer easier government card secured look higher financial schedule situation eligibility college parents funding union unsubsidized services going bank deal looking unpaid finances consolidation graduate amount choose complete period online consider important student provided specific stafford thing money question talk payments interest school credit conditions longer heal application month associated outstanding payment federal benefit high idea lender plus penalties education terms work needed subsidized consolidate university cards options full interested monthly income making offer • multiple years