Question

A lump-sum loan of $15,000 is needed by

Chandra to pay for college expenses. She has obtained

small consumer loans with 10% interest per year in

the past to help pay for college. But her father has

advised her to apply for a PLUS student loan charging

only 7% interest per year. If the loan will be repaid in

full in 5 years, what is the difference in total interest

accumulated by these two types of student loans?

Answer 1

Total interest = $FV = PV*(1+i)^n$

1) i=10%;

PV = 15,000*(1.1)^5= $24,157.65

2)i=7%;

PV = 15,000*(1.07)^5= $21,038.27.

So, the difference in total interest accumulated is $24,157.65-$21,038.27 = $3,119.38