Managing Student Loan Debt

Think ahead when applying for financial aid

As you apply for financial aid each year, keep in mind that any loans you borrow must be paid back, while grants and scholarships typically do not. Limit the amount of loans you take on, and you’ll have less to repay after graduation.

Also, keep in mind that there are different types of loans. With federal subsidized student loans, for example, the government pays the interest that accrues while you’re in school. But with unsubsidized loans, that interest gets added to your loan balance, leaving you with more to pay off.

Be sure to pay close attention to the interest rate and the terms of any loan before borrowing—especially if you decide to take out private loans (not offered through the government). Even one percentage point can have a big impact on your final balance.

Track your loan balance while in school

When you’re busy getting your degree, it’s easy to forget that your loans will be waiting for you at graduation. Each year, when you apply for financial aid, take a few minutes to look at your overall loan balance, interest rates, and repayment terms. Having this information in mind can help you be sure you’re making the right decisions about your financial aid.

Know when your loan payments start

It’s generally expected that student loan payments won’t start until after graduation. But if you know the exact dates for each loan you take out, you can be sure to avoid late fees or other issues. Learn about how to manage your federal loan repayment on the Federal Student Aid website.

Learn about the types of loans you have

Your financial aid packages might include more than one type of loan, so it’s important to know the differences among them. (Learn more about federal Stafford loans on the Federal Student Aid website.)

Think about consolidating your federal loans

A Direct Consolidation Loan lets you combine multiple federal student loans into one loan.

There are pros and cons to consolidating. For example, consolidation will give you one monthly payment, but it might also cancel out some of the benefits of certain loans.

Before you consolidate, be sure to carefully consider whether it’s right for you. The official Federal Student Aid website can help you understand the ins and outs of loan consolidation.

Talk with your Student Loan Specialist

After you leave AIU, you will have access to a Student Loan Specialist who will stay in touch with you about the repayment of your student loans.

The specialist will provide you with information regarding grace periods, deferment, forbearance, and more. They’ll provide you with all the information necessary to set up a payment plan with your lender that suits your individual needs.

Student Account Balances with the University

A Student Accounts Specialist is available to speak with you regarding any account balances with the University. If you have any questions about your student account, you may contact us through the methods listed below. Account information is available at any time in the Student Accounts link on the AIU student portal. If you are having difficulty paying the balance due on your student account, please contact us to discuss options available to you. We aim to find reasonable payment options that work for both the student and the University.

If you contact us in writing, please include your name, student ID number (if known), a phone number and e-mail where you can be contacted, and a description of your request for assistance. We will respond to you as quickly as possible, typically within 24-48 hours of receiving the request.

These accounts do not charge interest or fees and the University does not require a cosigner. You may request a payoff statement for your current account at any time by contacting us through a method listed above. Be advised that the payoff amount will be equal to your current account balance listed in the student portal.

AIU collects payment from students who have account balances directly with University. This is different than the government or private lending sources referenced above and has rules and policies that are different from those programs. Our Student Accounts Specialists work on behalf of the University and are part of an affiliated company (CEC Employee Group, LLC or CEC Educational Services, LLC).

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Note: In certain instances, your account may be serviced by TFC Tuition (License Number: 1708442) on our behalf. If applicable, you will be contacted by TFC Tuition with their contact information included.