Student loans

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Applying to Graduate School? Here's How To Pay For It

If you’re considering graduate school in 2024, make sure you have a funding plan in place ahead of time. Costs for graduate school can vary greatly depending on the type and length of the program, but there are opportunities to help cut down out-of-pocket costs. Cecilia Clark, our student loans expert, walks through all of the options available, and how to get started.

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Student loan guides

Student loan reviews

Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans Review

5.0

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Federal direct student loans don’t require credit or income to apply. They are the most widely used college lending option.

Federal PLUS Loan Review

Federal PLUS loans let graduate students and parent borrowers fill tuition gaps not covered by other types of financial aid.

LendKey Review: Student Loan Refinancing and Private Student Loans

LendKey connects borrowers with student loans from community banks and credit unions. It also services its own loans.

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Smart Money Podcast

Learn the history behind the rising cost of college and how 43 million Americans landed with student loan debt.


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Student loan FAQ

The latest from NerdWallet's Education team