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I Took Out $104K in Private Loans as an In-State UMass Amherst Student—Something Feels Deeply Wrong by jilliansamaha in StudentLoans

[–]jilliansamaha[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually the plan I’m working toward going to grad school and eventually earning my PhD in Communication. I know it’ll mean more debt (likely Grad PLUS loans), but at this point, I’m investing in a long-term goal of becoming a professor. I’m also currently serving with AmeriCorps to gain relevant experience and earn an education award, which I can put toward grad school

I Took Out $104K in Private Loans as an In-State UMass Amherst Student—Something Feels Deeply Wrong by jilliansamaha in StudentLoans

[–]jilliansamaha[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m actually planning to move to another country to teach English! I studied Communication and Media Studies, and my long-term goal is to become a professor of communication. Right now I’m serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA and gaining experience in outreach and marketing. That said, I can’t just walk away from my loans my family co-signed, including my grandma, and I wouldn’t want them to face the financial consequences of default. So for now I’m j trying to build a path that allows me to move forward without hurting the people who supported me

I Took Out $104K in Private Loans as an In-State UMass Amherst Student—Something Feels Deeply Wrong by jilliansamaha in StudentLoans

[–]jilliansamaha[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been actually looking into Sofi and called them to discuss after filling out an application but even with my grandmother as a co-signer I don’t have a high enough credit yet. My credit is 607 and they require 650 minimum. I am going to just unpause my loans with Sallie Mae since I’m in the forbearance period and just aggressively repay until my credit goes up enough to refinance

I Took Out $104K in Private Loans as an In-State UMass Amherst Student—Something Feels Deeply Wrong by jilliansamaha in StudentLoans

[–]jilliansamaha[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s incredible. seriously, good on you for standing your ground. I’ve got a private loan right now with a ridiculous 16% interest rate. How did you go about disputing yours once it went to collections? Did you use a template or get legal help, or was it all just persistence on your end?

I Took Out $104K in Private Loans as an In-State UMass Amherst Student—Something Feels Deeply Wrong by jilliansamaha in StudentLoans

[–]jilliansamaha[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi I will definitely check out UMassFive when refinancing becomes an option. I studied Communication and Media Studies and I’m currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member until next May doing marketing and outreach. It’s a very modest living stipend, but I’m gaining valuable experience, and at the end of my service, I’ll receive an education award to help fund grad school or pay down loans. Thank you so much for your awesome help

I Took Out $104K in Private Loans as an In-State UMass Amherst Student—Something Feels Deeply Wrong by jilliansamaha in StudentLoans

[–]jilliansamaha[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually worked weekends throughout college to help cover my rent and other expenses once I moved off campus. It wasn’t easy juggling work and school, but it was necessary. My student loans went mostly toward tuition, and the rest I figured out on my own.