Federal Student Loan Articles

Compare Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans

The federal student loan program offers a variety of options. It can seem overwhelming, and tricky to navigate, but it doesn't have to be. Learn more about your options and compare the loans to find out which one is right for you.

Understanding Student Loan Deferment and Forbearance

Student loan deferment is a temporary suspension of student loan payments, whereas forbearance is a plan that temporarily reduces or suspends student loan payments, but the borrower is still responsible for paying the interest on the loan while in forbearance.

How Federal Student Loan Interest Rates Are Set

Federal student loans are an important way the government helps you pay for college. They’re especially helpful because they offer benefits like fixed interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and, in some cases, loan forgiveness programs.

Federal Student Loan Servicers

When it comes to managing federal student loans it’s important to know about student loan servicers. A student loan servicer is a company that handles the billing and other services for your loan on behalf of the federal government.

History of Student Loans

Student loans in America can be traced back to the introduction of the GI Bill of 1944 and the Higher Education Act of 1965.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Loan

You may be wondering how long it takes to get a student loan? Generally speaking, you can expect your application to be processed in as little as a few days, to as many as a few weeks, but it could be months before the loan is disbursed.

How to Get a Student Loan

Wondering how to get a student loan? The first step is to fill out the FAFSA.

How to Pay for Community College

One of the benefits of community college is its affordability. Here are 8 different ways you can pay for community college, 6 of which do not require student loans.

Interest Rates and Fees on Federal Student Loans

Interest rates on Direct Loans are fixed. Undergraduates receive lower interest rates than graduate students. Find current interest rates and fees for Direct Loans.

How do I Locate my Student Loan?

Here are four common methods for locating your student loans. You will need to know who your loan servicers are in order to refinance your student loans.

What is Student Loan Default and How to Recover

Student loan default can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. Even if you are falling behind on your payments you can prevent student loan default. If you are in student loan default, there are ways to recover.

Student Loans and Taxes: What You Need to Know

If you have taken out a student loan to help cover the costs of your education, you will want to understand the potential impact it can take on your taxes. When it comes to tax season, many students are concerned about how their student loans will affect their tax filing.

Top Student Loan Options for High School Seniors

Choosing the right student loan is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning for college. As a first-time borrower, you need to understand how different loan options can impact your financial future.

Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loans

Get the details on the Direct Subsidized Loan program, including eligibility, interest rates and how to apply.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans available to undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about eligibility, interest rates, and how to apply.

Financial Aid for Graduate School

First, start by filing the FAFSA to apply for federal student loans. There are thousands of scholarships and grants available for graduate students as well.

Student Loans for Health Professions - HPSL

Health professions student loans are need-based, government loans that come with service requirements and loan limits. There are four kinds of health professions loans.

Student Loan Borrowing Limits in 2025

Most student loans have limits that affect how much you can borrow. Learn about the limits for Direct, Perkins, PLUS, consolidation, and private loans.

Student Loans for College

There are two main types of student loans for college. Federal student loans offered by the federal government, and private student loans. Get straight answers on how they work and which one may be best for you.

The complete guide to federal undergraduate student loans

Get your federal undergraduate student loan questions answered with our complete guide!