Private Loans

The costs of going to a top college aren't getting any cheaper, with tuition for some private schools predicted to reach the $50,000 per year threshold by the year 2020. College financial aid is a reality for the majority of us who find the high costs of attending a top college a truly heavy burden to bear.

Student financial aid comes in many shapes and sizes. And financial aid doesn't have to be a stigma of sorts, as some students are too proud to ask for student loans or some other type of assistance. Unless your parents are one of the privileged few who have a college trust fund set up for you, you may want to forget pride and think reality. And reality is going to cost some money.

A financial aid application is super simple to fill out, and the odds of getting something in return are better than turning a pair of aces in Texas Hold'em. Unless you're hoping to pay for college with your poker earnings, go to your local college financial aid office and pick up the federal financial aid form (FAFSA).

One thing to consider is the likelihood that you'll qualify for college student loans, most probably from a federally subsidized loan program. Basically, Uncle Sam's going to loan you some greenbacks to go to school, which isn't so bad considering the government's taking a gamble on you expecting you to graduate and be real successful. Another, less utilized resource is private student loans. Though federal loans are a little easier to manage, sometimes people don't qualify or Uncle Sam's money won't cover everything. Remember, college isn't cheap, so think of it as an investment in yourself. If you want to be a "player," this is your chance to step up and take it to the next level. Sometimes it takes money to make money, and a private student loan is a valid option.

Private student loans are different than federal loans because the government doesn't guarantee the loans. Because of this, the student loan interest rates and fees are generally a little higher than a regular college student loan. The student loan company is in the business of making money, and they want to know that you're going to commit to finishing school and paying 'em back.

Now, if you're turning aces and you think that online poker gives you a better chance at paying for school, then by all means, go all in. However, the likelihood that your Hold'em skills can match the resources available through your local college financial aid office are very slim - bet on it.

Whether it's a private student loan, a college trust fund, or some other large sum of cash, the idea is you have to really commit to the task, and be willing to sacrifice time and effort to make that investment - the investment in yourself - payoff in the end. Student financial aid is available, but you can't be too proud to ask for it. The reality is aces are hard to come by, and the only sure bet is the bet you're willing to make on yourself with hard work and determination.