Mental Health Resources
Student loans are a common source of financial stress. Often times, people don’t talk about financial concerns with family or friends, leaving many to feel isolated. According to survey results published by the American Psychology Association, stress about money continues to be on the rise and at the top of the list of sources of stress for Americans (2022 Stress In AmericaTM), yet money is at the bottom of the list of topics discussed with friends (The Master your Money Pulse Poll; Business Insider).
If you are overwhelmed or experiencing anxiety related to student loan management, it is important to reach out for help.
If you are a Tufts student in crisis or need on-the-spot mental health assistance and support, the Talk One2One Tufts Student Assistance Program toll-free number is available for you to call 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Please take a moment to save Talk One2One as a contact in your phone for easy access: 800-756-3124
Tufts students may also call the Talk One2One number to request a confidential on-site appointment.
In addition to reaching out for support for your health, please reach out to the financial aid office for payment relief information. There is no time limit on the availability of the Cummings Financial Aid Office to help you assess your options.
Student Loan Help
There are a number of resources available to provide answers and guidance to help you manage your student loans. Within the veterinary community, there are resources established by professional organizations that understand the unique needs of veterinary students and graduates.
Cummings Financial Aid Office: 508-839-8733 or vet-finaid@tufts.edu
No matter what stage of repayment you are in, we are available to help. If you are enrolled or already in repayment, we are available to help. If you have fallen behind in payments or struggling to understand your options, we are available to help. Please contact our office for assistance.
During enrollment, it is important to review your loan repayment options as you think about your post-graduation plans. In addition to viewing your loans and repayment options using the federal loan repayment simulator, the Veterinary Information Network provides a repayment simulator and loan repayment support designed for veterinary students and veterinary professionals. Students can access VIN services for free during enrollment, internship and residency. No matter what stage of repayment you are in, you will find support to help you consider your options as well as resources to implement a financial plan. The aid office can help you review your options and answer your questions.
Student Loan Servicer: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers
Your student loan servicer is a company contracted by the US Department of Education to provide billing and loan management services for your federal student loans. Your loan servicer can work with you to identify repayment options, such as your eligibility for the available income-driven repayment plans and loan consolidation. The servicer can assist you in the determination of other benefits for which you may be eligible, such as deferment and forbearance in times when you are not able to make loan payments.
While a loan servicer can assist you in assessing your repayment and payment relief options, you should not rely on the servicer to determine the most beneficial choice based on your circumstances and goals. For example, forbearance should not necessarily be your choice if you qualify for an income driven repayment plan. It is important that you understand your options as well as the resources available to provide guidance beyond the loan servicer.
If you are concerned about information provided by your servicer, reach out to the aid office for clarification.
When in repayment, there are steps you can take to help manage debt-related stress. The first step is confirming debt relief options that may be available.
Strategies for Coping With Your Student Loan Stress
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, these eight strategies can help.
1. Reach out to friends and family
2. Try to focus on the positive
3. Speak to a therapist, if needed
4. Come up with a repayment plan
5. Adjust your student loan payments
6. Refinance for a lower interest rate
7. Find out if your employer can help
8. Take it one step at a time
Source: https://studentloanhero.com/featured/coping-with-student-loan-stress/#speak (Rebecca Safier, 2/8/2020)