All Student Loans Articles

Finding the best student loan is like comparing apples to oranges.
student loans

How to Pick the Best Student Loan for You

You’ve chosen your school for the fall, but now it’s time to choose your student loan. The application process and knowing the pros and cons of each type are the most important when it comes to picking which one is right for you. Here’s a rundown of some of the steps to take and things …
student loans

When Should I Start Thinking About Student Loans?

Every student is faced with a choice when they exit the relative financial comfort of high school to attend an institution of higher learning. Tuition rates are mounting, and it is perhaps more important than in the past to have a plan for college payments. There are several options open to assist students with the …
Two red pencils with erasers laying on a lined piece of paper.
student loans

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

One of the hot-button issues of the recent decade has been the skyrocketing costs of college tuition. In a greater manner than ever before, students must explore alternate routes of payment in order to attend institutions of higher learning. Around 68% of students who graduated from college in 2015 have student loan debt. The average …
A college student writing in a notebook.
student loans

The Difference Between Direct Subsidized Loans and Unsubsidized

Applying for the FAFSA matters. When applying for federal aid through FAFSA, you will find that there are two loans for students available through their program: direct subsidized loans and unsubsidized. Your family’s current financial situation and your needs determine which loan lenders offer and which you prefer. Direct Subsidized Loans  Subsidized, also know as …
Here are the different types of student loan repayment options
student loans

Types of Student Loan Repayment Plans

Student loan repayment options come into play when it’s time to pay back your debt in college. There are quite a few different options, each one set to meet different needs and requirements. First, we’ll cover the different routes for repaying student loans in general terms, and then we will dive into the different repayment …
Private student loans can help you afford college, but here are some things you need to know
student loans

What You Need to Know About Private Student Loans

Private student loans, also known as private education loans or alternative education loans, are great resources, especially when federal aid does not fully cover the cost of school. Private loans are offered by many banks and each have their own requirements, interest rates, and protections. Interest Rates When considering private student loans, there are two …
A group of students sitting together in front of one laptop, with a few students standing behind them.
student loans

Types of Federal Student Loans

The federal loans program in the United States is officially known as the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Under the Department of Education, there are three types of federal student loans available: direct subsidized, direct unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS loans. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before choosing which is …
A student standing in front of papers stuck to a wall.
student loans

Important Things to Know About Stafford Loans

Stafford Loans are a type of federal student loan offered by the U.S. Department of Education.  The Stafford Loan program was established in 1988. It was named after Senator Robert Stafford who was instrumental in passing legislation that transformed the Higher Education Act of 1965. As of 2010 however, the Stafford Loan program was renamed …
A PLUS loan is an option for you to pay for college
student loans

What You Need to Know about the PLUS Loan

There are many different financial aid options available to college-bound students. The easiest ones to understand are usually scholarships and grants: You put in the effort to apply for it, you receive the award, and you don’t have to pay it back. Loans, on the other hand, must be paid back over the course of …
Here are some student loan acronyms to help you understand student loan terminology
student loans

Student Loan Acronyms You Need to Know

Planning for college finances can be tricky enough, even without all the letter-scrambling acronyms thrown into the mix.  Between the jargon and complicated questions, we understand why financial aid can be so difficult. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of common student loan acronyms to help break things down a bit, and make the …