 TITLE: How to Find the Best Private Student Loan for Your Needs CONTENT: What to Do When Private Student Loans Aren't an Option\n------------------------------------------------------\nIf your credit rating disqualifies you for a private student loan (or the terms are unattractive) and you already have federal student loans, consider other ways to manage your finances so you can stay in school.\n*   **Grants and scholarships**: When you filled out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you would have learned if you were eligible for any federal grants, but other grants exist. Since you don't have to repay them, they're worth exploring. Check out your state grant agency for state grants, as well as those that might be awarded by your specific school, are gender-based, are for underrepresented students or are earmarked for certain graduate programs. Scholarships, too, may be available. Your school's financial aid office should be able to help you determine what might be available, but you can also use the U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search tool.\n*   **Help from your financial aid office**: Contact your school's financial aid office for assistance. They may be able to provide you with an emergency loan, connect you with a work-study program or restructure your financial aid award so you receive more money.\n*   **Part-time job**: Sometimes extra income is the solution, so consider getting a part-time job to help you make ends meet without having to borrow. Or trim unnecessary expenses so you have enough money to live on and pay for your education.\n*   **Loan from family**: Another option is to ask a relative for an interest-free or low-interest loan that you can repay when you're finished with school and have a full-time job. Make sure you make the agreement official, with terms spelled out. END