Lesson
Student Loans 101
Summary
A student loan isn't free money — it's a bet on your future income that follows you for decades. This lesson explores subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans, federal vs. private options, and the 1x rule for borrowing within your means.
Bellringer: How Much Should I Borrow?
- Pose Gabriel's $40k teaching salary scenario.
- Prompt students to recall alternative funding before loans.
Instruction
- Define loans, interest, and principal.
- Walk through FAFSA-first, federal subsidized vs. unsubsidized, fixed rates, and the new $257,500 cap.
- Close on private loans as a last resort.
Discussion: Sarah's Med School Math
- Do the math on Sarah's $410k med school cost together.
- Have students share funding strategies and weigh ROI on a high-earning degree.
Activity: Student Loan Payoff Calculator
- Read the article and find 3 examples of loan terms in the text.
- Use the Student Loan Payoff Calculator to test different loan compositions.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Can anyone get subsidized student loans? Why or why not?
- What's the 1x rule for your chosen college degree?
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7 min | Bellringer: How Much Should I Borrow? |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 8 min | Discussion: Sarah's Med School Math |
|
| 15 min | Activity: Student Loan Payoff Calculator |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Student Loan Calculator
Students can use this calculator to see how adding to their monthly student loan payment helps them eliminate debt faster and reduce overall interest.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 11: Planning for College
Strategic Alternatives to College
The four-year degree isn't the only road to a good income—and often not the smartest one. Explore trade schools, apprenticeships, the 2+2 strategy, and going straight to work as legitimate paths to a financially secure future.
Student Loans 101
A student loan isn't free money — it's a bet on your future income that follows you for decades. This lesson explores subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans, federal vs. private options, and the 1x rule for borrowing within your means.
Loan Management & ROI
Skipping student loan payments doesn't just delay the bill—it can shadow your finances for decades. Explore grace periods, repayment plans, and the true cost of borrowing to fund a degree.
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