* Assuming you have filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, also known as FAFSA, talk to your school's financial aid office. Staff can help you find another lender if your lender stops making education loans.

* Seek federally guaranteed loans first before going to the private market. ''Federal loans are cheaper, more available and have better repayment terms than private student loans,'' said Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert who runs FinAid.org.

* If you must borrow from private lenders, find a creditworthy co-signer, shop three or more lenders. Also, consider peer-to-peer lending, also known as ''social lending,'' which enables individuals to borrow and lend money through social networking on the Internet.

- Source: FinAid.org, Consumer Bankers Association