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Student Loans

Learn more about how student loans work & best practices for managing them, see our top picks for new student loans & student loan refinancing, and find reviews of the top lenders in the industry.

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Types of student loans

The federal government, state agencies, and private lenders offer student loans to cover education costs. These loans can be made for specific borrowers to accommodate unique financing needs. With so many types of student loans available, it’s essential to focus on lenders that offer the loan you need.

Student loan uses

Most student loans are disbursed to your school, which then send leftover funds to you. Use this extra money to pay for other education expenses.

Student loan reviews

If you’re considering several companies for your student loan needs, giving each a proper review before deciding which to apply with is essential. Check out our reviews to see which company offers what you need.

All-in-one guides

The following resources are excellent choices for comprehensive guides to specific topics.

Student loan data, statistics, and calculators

Because the student loan industry has changed in recent years, it’s critical to stay informed about general trends and statistics. This information can help you make informed decisions and better manage your student loans.

Latest on student loans:

Are There Student Loans That Pay Direct?

Federal student loans—and most private student loans—don’t show up as one big check in the mail. Typically, borrowed funds go to the school...

Income-Based Student Loans

Income-based repayment has only been available for federal loans—until now. Find out how private income-based student loans work, and if they're a better...

College Ave vs. Ascent Student Loan Comparison

In this comparison, we’ll compare College Ave and Ascent private student loans and tell you...

Supplemental Student Loans

There are two main kinds of supplemental student loans you can use. We explain the differences and similarities, below.

Sallie Mae vs. Ascent: Student Loan Comparison

In this comparison, we review loan terms, repayment options, and more to find out if...

College Ave vs. Discover: Student Loan Comparison

There are several different factors to consider when deciding between College Ave and Discover. Find...

Earnest vs. Discover: Student Loan Comparison

Earnest and Discover don’t offer the same benefits to borrowers. We found major differences that could impact which one you should choose.

How Much Can You Take Out in Private Student Loans?

Learn about private student loan limits and why you shouldn't always borrow as much as...

How to Choose Student Loans in 4 Steps

When choosing a student loan, you should maximize all federal options before seeking private loans. Here’s how to get started.

How Much Can I Borrow in Student Loans?

Before taking out student loans, understand both the annual and total limits of both federal and private student loans.