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.

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:

How to Consolidate Student Loans [Federal and Private]

Most students end up taking out many different loans over the course of their college...

The 12 Pros and Cons of Private Student Loans

Private student loans can help you close an education funding gap if federal student aid isn’t enough to pay for school. Private lenders...

The Top 8 Reasons College Is So Expensive These Days [May 2025 Edition]

College tuition costs have become too expensive for the average American student. Case in point:...

The Complete Guide to Financial Aid for International Students

Studying in the U.S. can be expensive, but we’ve found plenty of ways to make...

[Q&A] What to Do If You Lost Your Financial Aid

Federal financial aid isn’t guaranteed, and you may lose eligibility due to poor academic performance,...

How Student Loan Refunds Are Used [Original Research]

Student loans can help you pay tuition and fees to attend school, but how else...

What to Expect From the Trump Administration on Student Loan Forgiveness

If you’re unsure about the future of student loan forgiveness, join the club (it has...

7 Smart Ways to Get Help With Student Loan Debt in 2025

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by student loans, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options....

What Is Simple Interest? Its Effect on Loans and Investments

Interest is the fee lenders charge consumers for borrowing money. It also describes the amount...

How to Complete Student Loan Recertification and Why It’s Important

Recertifying your student loans keeps your payments affordable under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. By...