Of course, you'll want to know whether a loan is fixed- or variable-rate and what could trigger a rate increase. But student loans may have unusual features to consider. In particular, ask about any options for delaying payment until after graduation and any policies on "forbearance" (temporarily reducing or postponing payments from a borrower in financial distress). Also find out about any rebates for on-time payments and other incentives for good performance.

"There are often substantial differences between private loans and student loans guaranteed or insured by the government," noted Luke Reynolds, an FDIC Community Affairs Specialist. "A private lender likely will offer both types of loans, so be sure to ask questions to fully understand the pros and cons of any loan product."

Your state's department of education and the college's financial aid department may be good resources. Don't depend on your school to pick the right loan or lender, though. Some colleges and private lenders have been scrutinized for conflicts of interest in steering students toward "preferred lenders."

Think twice before borrowing against your home or retirement accounts. Parents who do not qualify for a tax deduction on loans for higher education may want to consider using a home equity loan if they qualify for a tax break on the interest. But remember, a home loan puts your house at risk. Another option is to borrow from your retirement savings, but most investment advisers recommend against that approach because it may reduce your future earnings and make it tougher for you to retire when you want.
 

"Given the many ways to borrow for college at competitive interest rates, ask yourself if you really want to put your house at risk with a home equity loan or reduce your hard-earned retirement savings just to pay tuition," Daniels said.

Shop for a good price on a college, not just on the college financing. "For most families, the price of tuition and room and board should be an important part of the decision process, just like buying a home, a car or any other major purchase," said Daniels. "The cost should be considered along with the academic programs of a school."

For many families, the comparison shopping should include options such as two-year community colleges and schools close to home, which can help save on room and board, Daniels said.

Youth is no excuse for defaulting on a loan. At some point, perhaps after graduation, the loan payments will begin. How a young person manages student debt can be crucial. "Other loans, such as credit cards, and high living expenses can make it tough for a student or graduate to pay off college loans," Daniels cautioned. "The non-payment of a student loan is a bad way to start your career because your credit report will be damaged and the ability to obtain new credit or even qualify for certain jobs may be jeopardized."

To help stay out of trouble, he recommends getting a job, setting and sticking to a budget that includes money for loan payments, and building an emergency savings fund. * But what if your good intentions fail and you have no way of making a payment? Contact the lender immediately. "Many lenders would rather work out some modified payment plan than have the borrower stop making payments completely," Daniels said.

For more information, start at www.students.gov, a comprehensive Web site with information from the U.S. government and other sources on topics such as paying for college.

*Build your own rainy-day fund and borrow from yourself. The best way to avoid a cash crunch is to put money into an emergency savings account that you can use to pay for unforeseen expenses. Experts say this fund should equal about three to six months of living expenses to get you through a difficult period without having to take out a loan or borrow from retirement savings.

"Saving money can seem impossible when you are staring down at a stack of bills and other expenses, but many people are able to make small, simple changes in their habits or banking practices that can make the difference," said Sandra Thompson, Director of the FDIC's Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection. Possibilities include having your paycheck directly deposited into your checking account with a portion automatically placed into your emergency account