All Student Loans Articles

Hazard warning sign close up.
student loans

Signs that You Should Refinance Your Student Loans

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve heard the surprising statistics: over 44 million Americans are in debt with $1.3 trillion due to student loans. That’s over 13% of the nation’s population! The number is scary, for sure, but it’s important to keep it in perspective. Just because an individual is in debt doesn’t mean it’s something they can’t recover from. In …
An open black wallet with full of money.
student loans

When Do I Need to Pay Back My Federal Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
What exactly is a ‘good income”? If you have a student loan that you are still paying off, a good income is one that allows you to make your loan payments comfortably every month while still leaving a substantial amount to cover all your necessities as well as some luxuries. While you have earned the right …
There are signs that you should be aware of to see if it's time to consolidate your student loans
student loans

Signs that You Should Consolidate Your Student Loans

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re headed off to college, chances are good that you’ve decided to take out student loans (check out our guide to student loans here). More than half of all US undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, with this number climbing sharply. Student loans have become a rite of passage for many undergrads, …
A row of gray doors with one yellow door.
student loans

How to Pick Between Student Loan Lenders

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
So, you’re heading off to college. You’ve also deduced that you need to take out a student loan in order to make it work financially. You’ve heard all the horror stories and you know all the statistics. You’re aware that there’s over $1.3 trillion in total student loan debt spread over 44 million graduates, and …
Brick and tile wall
student loans

How to Use Student Loans to Build Good Credit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Incredible as it may sound, student loans can do much to help you enhance your credit score and credit history. When carefully and sensibly handled, your student loans can help you qualify for your first car loan, first apartment, and even your first credit card. According to finance experts, time and consistency are the two …
Does having student loans affect other loan approvals?
student loans

Do Your Student Loans Affect Your Approval for Other Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Unfortunately, there’s no one clear answer to this question. Whether student loans affect your other loan approvals ultimately depends on your debt to income ratio at the time of applying for the loan. When creditors try to determine if they should loan you money, they look at your debt to income ratio among other indicators. …
A zoomed in shot of a dollar bill.
student loans

What You Should Use Your Student Loan Money For

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Your student loan money is primarily meant to pay off certain expenses. These include: College Tuition The majority portion of your loan will go towards your college tuition and fees. Prioritize this above all else. Accommodation & Meals Though significantly lower than college tuition, the second largest chunk of the loan amount will go towards …
student loans

What Are Student Loan Borrower Limits?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you go to take out a loan, you can’t just take out as much as you want. There are limitations in how much money you can receive. Each type of student loan—whether it’s private or federal—will have some sort of borrower limit. The amount will vary from loan to loan, or even circumstance to …
Digital alarm clock showing "late".
student loans

What Is Student Loan Delinquency?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 10, 2024
A student loan delinquency occurs as soon as you miss a payment on your student loan. Delinquency on federal student loans are reported to credit bureaus after 90 days of non-payment. Delinquency on private student loans are reported to credit bureaus after 30 days on non-payment. Being delinquent refers to a situation in which a …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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