All Student Loans Articles

student loans

Education Loans for International Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 21, 2025
Key Takeaways: Attending college in the United States costs $38,270 per year on average. Some noncitizens can qualify for federal student loans, but most international students will need education loans from private lenders. Scholarships, grants, and the student’s country’s financial aid programs could help lower the cost. Just like its citizens, international students may have …
Here's how to get a scholarship with your parent's help.
student loans

College Loans for Parents

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 1, 2025
Key Takeaways: Qualifying parents can borrow direct PLUS Loans through the federal government or parent college loans through private lenders. Federal parent PLUS loans usually have more repayment options and lower interest rates than private options. You can apply for a PLUS loan on the FSA website, but you may have to complete a separate …
Once your child has gone to college, you may find yourself empty nesting
student loans

8 Ways Parents Can Help Students with Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 9, 2025
The cost of tuition can affect your college bound child from before they start college to long after graduation. Before your student even starts college, the cost of attendance can impact their choice of school. As a college student, they may have to juggle academics with a part-time job to help cover the funding gap. …
Avoid these mistakes that can result in your student loans negatively affecting your credit score
student loans

How Refinancing Student Loans Can Impact Your Credit Score

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 1, 2024
Refinancing student loans can have a positive impact on your credit score, but it can also hurt your credit. Understanding how refinancing can hurt your credit is key to taking steps to minimize the negative impact. Refinancing is a common solution for managing student loan debt. It allows you to exchange your existing student loans …
A teacher sitting at a desk in front of a computer.
student loans

The New SAVE Plan For Federal Student Loans

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on February 23, 2024
The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) plan is the latest income-driven repayment plan initiated by the federal government The SAVE plan offers several unique benefits that will lower payments and make them more affordable for many borrowers This is the most affordable plan for student loan borrowers The SAVE Plan replaces the REPAYE program …
student loans

What To Do If Your Lender Closes

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025
If you have a student loan with a lender who is closing, you still need to make payments on the loan. Make sure to check your mail or email from your old lender to find out what, if any steps, you need to take next. Your old lender will likely sell your loan to a …
A teacher sitting at a desk in front of a computer.
financial aid, student loans

Fresh Start Program: What Students Need to Know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 30, 2023
The Fresh Start program is a one-time, temporary program introduced by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal is to offer relief for borrowers with defaulted federal student loans after forbearance ends in October 2023. Students who meet certain criteria can sign up for Fresh Start to receive the program’s benefits. This includes restored access …
student loans

How to Speed up the Lending Process (And Why it Matters)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 12, 2025
When comparing loans and lenders, you might be looking at the principal amount and the interest rates first and foremost – as you should. You want to be sure you’re getting a loan that fits your financial needs without having an astronomical interest rate. But one factor you might be overlooking in your comparison? Lending …
student loans

6 Reasons Student Lending Speed Matters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
College is expensive and many students depend on federal and/or private student loans to help finance their education. These types of loans have different eligibility requirements, interest rates, and repayment terms and conditions. Even the lending speeds are different. Student lending speed refers to the time it takes for a lender to process and approve …
student loans

How Long Does It Take to Pay Off Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 12, 2025
One of the biggest questions most graduates’ ask is, ‘how long will it take me to pay off my student loan?’ It’s not surprising that this question would weigh heavily on a graduate’s mind. Most students take a few thousand dollars in student loans to fund their college education. Paying back this debt can take …

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