All Student Loans Articles

student loans

What’s Better: Student Loan Consolidation or Refinance?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Let’s start with a setting the record straight on a common misconception – Student loan consolidation is not the same as student loan refinance. Although both programs involve changing loan terms or interest rates, the similarities end there. Consolidation and refinance are in fact two distinctly different options. When Consolidation May Be the Better Option …
Dollar bill macro shot showing "US Treasury" print.
student loans

What Private Lenders Look For In Borrowers

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
Lenders’ requirements for private student loans differ from federal student loan requirements. Private lenders typically look at your credit score, credit history, employment history, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Every private lender sets their own requirements which can vary significantly from lender to lender. The requirements for getting a private student loan are different from federal …
Silver US dime closeup.
student loans

How To Discharge A Federal Student Loan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2025
When you take out federal student loans, your debt does not go away until you have the paid off all loans in their entirety. If you are struggling to make your monthly payments, there are forbearance and deferment programs available that help defer the payments for up to three years but at the end of …
Holding a one hundred dollar bill against the sunlight close up.
student loans

How Adverse Credit Affects Federal Student Loans

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it comes to student loans (or loans of any sort, really), credit history plays a large role. Many college-bound students won’t have a significant credit history, and will require a co-signer in order for lenders to loan them money. However, there are certain federal student loans that are geared more towards parents. Direct PLUS …
What is the best student loan repayment plan for you?
student loans

Which Student Loan Repayment Plan Is Best for Me?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
There is no one student loan repayment plan that works best for all students. There is no one-size-fits-all, but there is one deciding factor in which plan is the best student loan repayment plan for you. The student loan that can help you save the most money will depend on how much you can pay …
A person holding four twenty dollar bills.
student loans

The Comprehensive Guide to Student Loan Refinance and Consolidation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 25, 2025
Student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation are popular methods of saving money or managing loan payments. But how do they work? Should you consolidate and refinance student loans? What are the pros and cons? We’ll answer all that and more in this guide. What Is Student Loan Refinance? Refinancing means the individual receives a …
Avoid these mistakes that can result in your student loans negatively affecting your credit score
student loans

How to Avoid Student Loans Negatively Affecting Your Credit Score

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Believe it or not, student loans can actually be beneficial! If managed properly, student loans can end up positively affecting your credit score and history—showing that you’re a responsible borrower. However, if mismanaged, student loans can end up negatively affecting your credit score. A negative credit score makes it harder for you to get loans …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.