The following seven-step tutorial will help you become an informed user of credit to meet college costs.

Step 1: Understanding the Loan Process
If loans have been included in your financial-aid package, review the Loan Process guide for a quick overview of the federal loan process.

Step 2: Choose a Lender
If you will be taking out private loans for college, you will be asked to choose a lender.

Step 3: Borrow Responsibly
Before you take out loans for college, get guidance on Borrowing Responsibly.

To estimate the maximum amount of education debt you can repay, you'll need information about starting salaries in your career field. The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information on earnings for a wide range of occupations.

Step 4: Apply for Loans
Learn more about the process of Applying for Loans.

Step 5: Other Loan Options
If federal loans fail to meet your college costs, alternative loans provide a supplemental source of college funding. Consult information about Private Education Loans.

Step 6: Entrance and Exit Counseling
Before you take out a federal student loan for the first time, and again, before you leave school, you will receive Counseling about your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower.

Step 7: Repay Student Loans
Although most student loans do not require repayment until after graduation, learn the basics about Repaying Student Loans before you take out a loan.