College Financing

Paying for College
AFGE, Sallie Mae and ‘Wiredscholar’ have joined forces to provide a wealth of information and assistance to AFGE members and their families to maneuver the world of financing a college education. The Union Plus Education Loan program offers financing for a range of education and training needs - customized to meet the needs of today’s working families.

Members can check out these financing resources:

College Loans
Available to students attending accredited colleges and universities (at least part-time). These loans - including Stafford, PLUS and Signature loans - help working families pay for college tuition, books, fees, computers and other education-related expenses.

Career Training Loans
Designed for adults or part-time students attending technical, trade or professional schools. This loan helps members and their families advance their careers

Consolidation Loans
Simplify and save by bundling all your federal loans into a single loan.

Financial Aid Counseling
Speak to a Union Plus Education Loan financial aid counselor. Our experts are on hand to answer members’ questions and guide them through the application process.

Student Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your starting point for applying to almost all student financial assistance programs. For example, you need to complete this free application to receive any federal student aid.

State Savings Plans (529 Plans)
More than likely, your state sponsors a college savings plan. Each state determines the maximum amount you may contribute annually per child. The advantage of state savings plans is that your savings are not subject to state and local taxes and may grow faster than a taxable investment. Learn more about 529 plans and use our tool to customize your comparison based on criteria that is important to you. Also learn more about:

• IRAs
• Tax Credits
• Savings Calculations
• Education Tax Deductions