Higher education can be funded through a variety of resources, including loans for graduate students. For students who exhibit financial need, Perkins Loans are a viable option. Though debt from Perkins Loans can be excused under some specific situations, this debt must be paid back like most other student loans.

Perkins Loans offer low fixed interest rates of only 5%, a 9-month grace period opposed to the average 6-month grace period, and low monthly payments of only $40. This loan for graduate students allows students to find stable jobs and to become more financially secure after college before they are forced to repay their loans.

The disadvantage of Perkins Loans is the low borrowing limits. Using Perkins Loans, undergraduate students can borrow up to $5,500 per year with a maximum borrowing limit of $27,500. Graduate students can use Perkins Loans to borrow up to $8,000 per year with a maximum borrowing limit of $60,000, including any money Perkins loans received as undergraduates. For more information about Federal Perkins Loans, you can visit the website for the U.S. Department of Education.

Though most loans for graduate students must be repaid, some loan options have complete or partial forgiveness. For example, the AmeriCorps program is a common choice for students who are looking for debt forgiveness. This program allows students to work in different locations of the United States. Throughout the year in the program, students can earn up to $4,725, which can be applied to paying for education or to paying off debt. Another popular choice for students who are looking for debt forgiveness is the Peace Corps. This program focuses on charity in Third World countries. While students work for Peace Corps, students’ loans are deferred, and 15% of the loan is forgiven for each year in the Peace Corps.