Student Loans
Information and articles on student loans and managing your college expenses.
Learn about federal and private student loans, interest, APR, choosing the right
loan for your situation, and the various types of loans available to you and your
family to finance your education.
Student Loans 101
Deciding Which Student Loans are Right for You
Your financial aid package probably includes student loan loans, all of which must be repaid with interest. If you understand a few basics, you can find the right student loan.
Five Ways to Repay Your Student Loan
Here are a few ideas to help you make the extra money needed for your monthly student loan payments.
Guidelines for How Much to Borrow in Student Loans
When you consider using student loans to pay for your college education, think about how you will repay those loans.
Rights & Responsibilities as a Student Loan Borrower
As a federal student loan borrower, you have the right to know all of the particulars about your student loans — specifics on when you will start to pay it, who owns your loans, options during repayment, and much more. By borrowing money and agreeing to pay it back, you are also bound by many important responsibilities during the life of the loan.
What is the Status of My Student Loan
Here are the terms you should know about the status of your student loan(s).
Student Loans 101
Different Types of Student Loans
Learn about the different types of student loans available to college students and their families
Straightforward Information on Student Loans
An overview of the different types of loans available, including Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, the Federal Direct Loan Program, Parent PLUS Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Consolidation Loans, private or alternative loans.
Five Things About Student Loan Borrower Rewards
Many lenders offer incentives to encourage borrowers to choose their loan product, commonly referred to as borrower benefits or borrower rewards.
Tips on How Much to Borrow in Student Loans
Your goal should be to minimize your overall student loan borrowing – and here is how.
Tips on Co-Signing a Private Student Loan
It is very difficult for students to be approved for a private student loan on their own. If you are a student borrower, without an established credit history and a current, steady income, you WILL need a co-signer for a private student loan.
Student Loans 101
Tips on Selecting a Co-Signer for Your Private Student Loan
A co-signer of a private student loan is someone who jointly signs the promissory note (or the contract between lender and borrower) for the loan. Even though the student is the primary borrower, and will receive monthly bills and make payments, the co-signer is equally and jointly responsible for the loan’s repayment.
What Are Student Loan Borrower Benefits or Rewards
Student lenders often offer incentives to make their loan products stand out from the crowd. The industry calls these borrower benefits but they may also be called borrower rewards or incentives. While they can often save you lots of money over the life of a loan, you should consider them carefully to see if they will really benefit you.
The Difference Between LIBOR and Prime Rates
Become a more informed borrower by understanding the interest rates, APR and how they are calculated on your student loans.
What Happens With Your Student Loans After School
Read about what happens to your student loans when you graduate or leave school.
What is a Student Loan Co-Signer
A co-signer of a student loan is someone with good credit who jointly signs the promissory note for a loan. It's important to understand why you might need a co-signer as well as what being a co-signer on a student loan means.
Student Loans 101
What to Know About Student Loans Before Borrowing
Making sure you completely understand your student loans before you borrow can help you save money, build your credit score and get through college with less stress.
In the Know on Student Loans (video)
Repaying Student Loans
Defaulting on Student Loans
The definition of default on a student loan is not making payments after 270 days and not making arrangements for deferment or forbearance. Know how to prevent student loan default!
Repaying Your Student Loans
Before your federal student loan enters repayment, check to see what plans are available to you. Choose the plan that strikes the best balance between monthly affordability, total accrued interest and your expected income.
