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Student Loans
NerdWallet has the latest in student loans covered, from top-rated lenders for all variety of students to repayment options and finding out if you qualify for forgiveness.
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What Is the Student Aid Index?
The Student Aid Index helps colleges determine how much financial aid you can get after filling out the FAFSA.
How to Pay for College: 8 Strategies to Cover Costs
To pay for college, submit the FAFSA to access grants, scholarships and work-study before taking out student loans.
How to Refinance Student Loans in 7 Steps
Start the loan refinancing process by researching lenders and comparing rates. Ultimately, you want a lower rate than what you currently pay.
What to Know About Refinancing Student Loans
It’s simple to refinance private student loans with a different lender — and you might qualify for a lower interest rate.
Can You Refinance Sallie Mae Loans?
You can refinance your Sallie Mae loans with another lender, but Sallie Mae doesn't offer student loan refinancing.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You Money
Use this student loan payoff calculator to see how extra payments can pay off student debt faster and cheaper.
End Finally Comes for SAVE Student Loan Plan: Millions Given Deadline to Switch
Many borrowers on the popular Biden-era SAVE plan will be making payments for the first time in two years.
SAVE Lawsuits: SAVE Ends, Borrowers Must Switch Plans
The SAVE student loan repayment plan is ending. Here's what you should know and next steps to take.
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Student loan guide: How to pay for college with federal or private loans
Federal loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to parents of students. If federal loans don’t cover the cost of college, you may be able to borrow private loans.
Is That Student Loan Service Real or a Scam?
Unnecessary student loan debt relief services and debt relief scams have cost borrowers millions — and unsolicited calls, texts and emails are among the red flags to watch out for.
Credit Not Always Required: How Students With Bad or No Credit Can Still Get Loans
If your credit is making it tough to borrow private student loans, you can consider federal loans or a co-signer.
2026 High School Grad Analysis: Over $43K in Loans for a Bachelor’s Degree
High school graduates heading to college in fall 2026 could borrow $43,000 in student loans for their bachelor’s degree.
Graduate School Loans: Limits Impacting Future Borrowers
How much you can take out in graduate school loans will be capped.
Parent PLUS Loan Limits: Guide to Borrowing Changes in 2026
Parents planning on taking out parent PLUS Loans should expect the terms and limits to change on July 1, 2026.
End Finally Comes for SAVE Student Loan Plan: Millions Given Deadline to Switch
Many borrowers on the popular Biden-era SAVE plan will be making payments for the first time in two years.
Student Loans in 2026: What Borrowers Need to Know
Numerous changes enacted by Congress and the White House will come into play. They have important implications for both new and existing borrowers.
Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education: What It Means for You
Here's a rundown of what is — and isn't — changing as the Trump administration breaks up the ED.
A Guide to College Loans for Low-Income Students
A low income can make paying for college difficult, but you have options.
What Is the New Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for Student Loans?
The Repayment Assistance Plan will roll out on July 1, 2026, replacing existing income-driven repayment plans for new borrowers.
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8 Major Student Loan Changes From Trump’s Budget Bill: Next Steps for Borrowers
Most borrowers have at least a year to figure out their next move. Grad students and parent PLUS borrowers will be most impacted.
Grad School Debt Holding You Back? How to Get It Under Control
Think long-term to pay off your grad school debt — or get it forgiven.
Data: 2025 High School Grads Facing $40k in College Student Loans
High school graduates this year could take on $40,000 in student loan debt to obtain their bachelor's degree.
Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness Going Away? Understanding Trump’s Executive Order
PSLF isn’t going anywhere yet. For now, keep records of your payments and employment.
Trump Orders the Closure of the Department of Education. What Now?
Trump's order to close the Education Department lacks specifics. Here's how borrowers can prepare for the unknown.
PAYE and ICR Student Loan Plans: Should You Enroll?
The Paye as You Earn and Income-Contingent Repayment plans for federal student loans will be ending in July 2028.
CRI Student Loans: What Student Loan Borrowers Need to Know
CRI is the newest federal student loan servicer. It can help you navigate your monthly bills, repayment plan and relief options. You can reach customer service at: 833-355-4311.
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Trump and Student Loans: What’s Happening With SAVE, Wage Garnishment, Repayment Plans, and More
Federal student loan policy is evolving fast. For borrowers, both current and future, here’s what you need to know.
What Is the FAFSA Submission Summary?
The FAFSA Submission Summary is a document that contains your financial aid eligibility and a summary of your FAFSA responses.