Be very careful when selecting a student loan package. The deck may be stacked against you and you will have to take extra steps to make sure you are getting the best loan package available. Here's why.

Private lenders often 'wine and dine' financial officers at colleges and universities. They offer the schools incentives to make available their loan packages at the schools. There's nothing wrong with this, but keep in mind that you're looking for the best terms for you, not the best terms the private lender offered your school.

Look beyond your school for student loans so you can compare the different loan proposals. Only by comparing will you be able to insure that you have done the very best for you and not your school.