What's the difference between all the loan lenders?

[Oneof2]

Anyone know which lenders are best to use? What's the difference between all of them?

[jaburk3]

Tag. I'd really like to know to. I have called a few and asked about credit criteria for getting a loan without co-signers, and they won't tell. So, any insight would be great!

[Boston24]

And to add onto this how to choose a lender question - how do you figure out which lender will give you the best rate without actually applying to all of them (and having each one check and thereby lower your credit score)? 

[SuperMoni]

Check out the new financial aid child board.

[ormachea]

As long as they all check within a 2 week (not sure if that's the number) period, it only shows up as one credit report investigation.

[Oneof2]

really?!

[ormachea]

Yes, it's not a completely ridiculous system

[lsantos623]

this depends a lot on the school you're going to and your credit score, many schools have special deals with certain lenders.  in my case i went with a non-profit called northstar that had the lowest interest rate from the lenders I checked, and no fees

[risingMC]

Speaking of northstar, I like what they're saying!

"Unlike other lenders, NorthStar does not deduct origination or guarantee fees from your Stafford or Private loan proceeds. You get more money now, up to $2,220 over 3 years. With Private Loans, you receive the total amount you are eligible to receive."
http://www.northstar.org/Law/default.aspx

[ormachea]

Hmmm.... I just wish I had a better idea of what exactly to look for. It seems too easy to say something like that and still hide a fee not called a guarantee or origination fee somewhere else (like AccessGroup seems to be doing), or to just raise the price somewhere...

damn these finances!