Student Loans Icon

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.

Featured posts

Take out student loansRepay student loans
Best Private Student LoansBest Student Loan Refinance
Federal Student LoansStudent Loan Repayment

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:

Fresh Start Program for Student Loans [Ended — What to Do Now]

Editor’s note: The Fresh Start Program for federal student loans ended on October 2, 2024....

How to Calculate Your Minimum Student Loan Payment

When repaying your student loans, the minimum payment is the lowest amount you can pay...

Do Deferred Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score?

Deferment gives you a temporary reprieve from student loan payments. Your loans are usually automatically...

Student Loan Interest Rates by Year

If you’re a student or parent researching how student loan interest rates have changed, you’re likely preparing to take out a loan or...

Why Your Student Loan Payment Increased

Opening your mail and learning that your student loan payment increased can be shocking. It can also be worrisome if you’re on a...

Can You Make Principal-Only Payments on Student Loans?

When you make minimum monthly payments on your student loans, a portion goes toward the...

How Student Loans Affect Your Retirement

Retirement may be years away, but it’s never too soon to start planning for it. If you borrowed money to pay for college...

What to Do If Your Student Loans Were Sold to Another Company

If you’ve borrowed student loans to pay for college, your loan may be transferred or...

Do Student Loans Have Compound or Simple Interest?

If you take out student loans to pay for school, you’ll pay interest on what...

How a Missed Student Loan Payment Affects You

Missed student loan payments happen, but it doesn’t need to be the end of the world. The specific consequences you’ll face—and your options...