The “best” loan is the one that costs the least amount of money and offers convenient product features that make repaying your alternative loans easier.
 
Research alternative loan lenders & products
These questions will help you:

•    What repayment plans do you offer?
•    Are payments required in-school or not until I graduate?
•    What is the range of fees and interest rates?
•    Do you offer a co-signer release program?

Find a credit-worthy co-signer
A co-signer is anyone over 18 who shares the responsibility of the loan with you. He helps you get approved for the loan, lower your interest rates and fees, and increase the amount you can borrow.
   
Getting the lowest interest rate and fees
Review the loan terms carefully. Look at the interest rate and fees being charged which may fluctuate and increase.