For a growing number of students, particularly adult learners, distance learning is a convenient way to pursue higher education. In fact, at community colleges alone, distance enrollments grew 11.3 percent from fall 2006 to fall 2007.  Those who have to juggle work, school and family, along with a host of other obligations, appreciate the flexibility of online learning.

But that same flexibility can be an issue if you use student loans to finance distance education. Online learners who borrow should know that they’re subject to the same regulations and repayment rules as brick-and-mortar students, even though their circumstances may differ greatly from those of a “traditional” student. Here are five things to know if you’re a distance learner with federal loans (or thinking of becoming one):

1. Federal loan assistance is available. First, know that students enrolled in distance education programs are eligible for federal student aid, including loans, as long as the program leads to a recognized certificate, or to an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. The school offering the program must also have been evaluated by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.

2. Your enrollment status matters. All federal student loans do not have to be repaid until the borrower graduates or drops below half-time. Once that happens, the borrower has a six-month “grace period” before the first payment comes due. So if you begin your distance education as a full- or half-time student, but then have to drop below half-time because of a hectic schedule, the grace period clock will start ticking. And once used, grace can’t be regained. Using the above scenario, let’s say after three months you are able to resume a half-time course load. You will be eligible to postpone repayment while you’re half-time or above – but you will have used up three months of your grace period. Now when you do graduate or fall below half-time again, you will only have a remaining three-month grace period before repayment starts.

3. You must make “Satisfactory Academic Progress.” In order to receive any form of federal student aid, including loans, you must meet and maintain your school’s standards of satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. In general, SAP is measured by a combination of grade-point average and credits or hours completed – so you must achieve a minimum GPA and be able to prove that you’re progressing toward a degree or certificate. Check with your school for its specific standards.

4. Print and save. Giving advice to use old-fashioned paper and folders may seem counterintuitive in a discussion about online learning, but sometimes going old school has its merits. Just because you’re receiving your instruction and submitting all your coursework electronically doesn’t mean you shouldn’t maintain print records. Whenever you receive a communication from the financial aid office or lender regarding your student loan, print it out. Make yourself a student loan folder (that’s right, the manila ones) and file it away. Who needs paper, you ask? Well, depending on the size of your education debt, your student loan will probably outlive your current computer. The standard repayment term for a student loan is 10 years, but some repayment plans extend to 20 or 25 years. We all know our technology progresses at a much faster rate - best to be safe and keep hard copies.

5. Take advantage of online financial aid services. You may not have a physical financial aid office to visit for counseling, but most distance programs offer online financial aid information. In a recent survey of community colleges offering distance education, 87 percent currently offer online financial aid services and an additional 9 percent plan to offer this service in the next two years. Be sure to proactively seek out all general loan information offered on your school’s financial aid website, and make use of any email or interactive chat options to have your individual questions answered.

Another good resource for general federal student loan information is the Department of Education’s site “Student Aid on the Web,” or if you borrow a Federal Family Education Loan, your guarantor (federally funded nonprofits that help students manage their education debt, such as American Student Assistance) can offer neutral guidance and support throughout the loan process. And of course, there’s always the phone – if you’re still in school, the financial aid office is just a phone call away. If you’re out of school and in repayment, call on your loan servicer (the company that collects payment) or guarantor when you have questions.

Borrowing for distance education can be a great investment in your future – just take the time to be an educated consumer.