Many students spend time each year looking for scholarships or applying for financial aid from their college. Although some colleges are trying to eliminate the need for loans, for many students, taking out a loan is the only way to finance their education. However not all loans are created equal. CollegeFinder's Student Loan Tips for Parents and Students has a great article with the top ten tips students and parents need to know when looking for a loan. There are lots of private loans on the market, many that might seem to offer very attractive rates or bonuses. Did you know that it's generally a better practice to borrow your academic loans from the federal government? Don't think that limits you, however, there are five different federal loans specifically for students. If you do choose to use a private loan, CollegeFinder has information on how to find the best rate in today's market, how to negotiate a better rate, and how to make sure your rate is comparable with other students in your area.

CollegeFinder's Student Loan Tips for Parents and Students has a wealth of information and is a must read for any student who might be looking at a loan during their time at college.