Did you know?

• You don't have to be low-income to qualify for a federal student loan, which will have better rates and repayment options than a private alternative loan.

• You can deduct up to $2,500 in student-loan interest on your income-tax return.

• You can go to any Utah public college or university's financial-aid office for free advice, regardless of whether you're planning to go to that institution or even out of state.

• You can get a federal loan through the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, even if you're going to attend an out-of-state college. The agency says it may be able to offer you a better rate than a similar agency in another state and will pay for loan fees.

Sources: Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority; University of Utah financial aid office; FinAid.org

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com