Paying for College

Learn how to pay for your college education and how to qualify for as much financial aid as possible: grants, scholarships, loans, work study and beyond.

College guides, tools and tips

How to pay for college: the basics

Student loans from our partners

College Ave Private Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on College Ave website

College Ave

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
College Ave Private Student Loan logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

2.89% - 17.99%

Min. credit score 

Mid-600s

Check Rate

on College Ave website

Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on Sallie Mae website

Sallie Mae

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

2.89% - 17.49%

Min. credit score 

Mid-600's

Check Rate

on Sallie Mae website

Ascent Private Student Loan logo
Compare Rates

on Credible’s website

Ascent

Best for customer support and wide availability

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Ascent Private Student Loan logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

2.89% - 14.41%

Min. credit score 

Low-Mid 600s

Compare Rates

on Credible’s website

Borrowing student loans: federal and private

How to go to college for free — or at least, a lot less

College affordability

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