Lesson
Student Loan Basics
Summary
Student loans aren't free money—they're a bet on your future income. This lesson equips future graduates with the 1x rule, the subsidized vs. unsubsidized distinction, and a strategy to bridge the gap before borrowing.
Bellringer: How Much Should Gabriel Borrow?
- Present Gabriel's scenario—teaching degree, $40k first-year salary.
- Have students guess a safe borrowing amount before revealing the 1x rule.
Instruction
- Walk through the pre-loan steps: FAFSA, compare colleges, maximize savings, identify first-year salary.
- Break down subsidized vs. unsubsidized and federal vs. private loans across slides.
Discussion: Sarah's $410k Dilemma
- Do the federal loan cap math together for Sarah's med school path.
- Debate ROI—why the 1x rule bends for high-earning careers.
Activity: College Alternatives
- Students take the College Alternatives pretest.
- Begin gameplay exploring trade school, apprenticeships, and other routes.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Can anyone get subsidized student loans? Why or why not?
- What's the 1x rule for your chosen college degree?
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7 min | Bellringer: How Much Should Gabriel Borrow? |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 8 min | Discussion: Sarah's $410k Dilemma |
|
| 15 min | Activity: College Alternatives |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
College Alternatives Pretest
Assess student knowledge before the College Alternatives unit.
College Alternatives
Students explore trade school, apprenticeships, boot camps, and other post-high-school options.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 11: College & Beyond
FAFSA & College Funding
Every year billions in free college aid goes unclaimed—all because of a 12-minute form. Explore FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and work-study so students can build a real plan to afford school after graduation.
Student Loan Basics
Student loans aren't free money—they're a bet on your future income. This lesson equips future graduates with the 1x rule, the subsidized vs. unsubsidized distinction, and a strategy to bridge the gap before borrowing.
Strategic Alternatives to College
The four-year degree isn't the only road to a good income—and often not the smartest one. Explore trade schools, apprenticeships, the 2+2 strategy, and going straight to work as legitimate paths to a financially secure future.
How do Banzai lesson plans work? See the FAQ.