Learn About

Student Loans

Back to Page 1

PSLF Buyback: Reclaim Missed Payments for Student Loan Forgiveness

The PSLF Buyback program enables borrowers working in eligible public service jobs to reclaim months that weren’t counted toward student loan forgiveness.

Shannon Bradley's profile picture
Shannon Bradley

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.

Shannon Bradley's profile picture
Shannon Bradley

Should You Use a HELOC to Pay Your Kid’s College Tuition?

Home equity could provide an ample source of college funding, but borrowing against it is a financially risky move.

Kate Wood's profile picture
Kate Wood

2024 High School Grads Could Face Nearly $37K in College Debt

Elizabeth Renter's profile picture
Elizabeth Renter

How Children of Veterans Can Go to College for Free

Military families have more financial aid opportunities than the general public — if you plan ahead.

Kat Tretina's profile picture
Kat Tretina

States That Will Pay Off Your Student Loans

Purchasing a home or working in healthcare, education or legal fields could lead to state student loan assistance. But, weigh the pros and cons first.

Chanell Alexander's profile picture
Chanell Alexander

How Much It Costs To Study Abroad (and How To Pay for It)

The average study abroad semester costs up to $15,000, but there are ways to lower the bill.

Eliza Haverstock's profile picture
Eliza Haverstock

What to Do Instead of College: 6 Alternatives to Consider

Options like community college, apprenticeships and volunteering can set you up for a career — no bachelor’s degree needed.

Eliza Haverstock's profile picture
Eliza Haverstock

How to Complain About Your Student Loan Bill

If you can’t resolve an issue directly with your servicer, here’s how to file a student loan complaint that gets results.

Eliza Haverstock's profile picture
Eliza Haverstock

What Are Perkins Student Loans?

If you’re still repaying Perkins loans, here are your options — including 100% loan forgiveness.

Eliza Haverstock's profile picture
Eliza Haverstock

How to Manage Your Student Loans After a Layoff

If you lost your income and have federal loans, an income-driven repayment plan can temporarily shrink your payments to $0.

Laura McMullen's profile picture
2
Laura McMullen, Eliza Haverstock

Does Failing a Class Affect Financial Aid?

Check your school’s academic performance policy to know what happens to your federal financial aid — from the FAFSA — if you fail a class.

Trea Branch's profile picture
2
Trea Branch, Lisa Mulka

2023 High School Grads Could Take on $37K in College Debt

Elizabeth Renter's profile picture
Elizabeth Renter

6 Best Websites for Scholarships

Apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for to improve your chances of getting the most free money for college.

Cecilia Clark's profile picture
Cecilia Clark

Heartland ECSI Student Loan Servicer: What It Can Do and How to Contact

Heartland ECSI manages federal Perkins student loans for the government.

Eliza Haverstock's profile picture
Eliza Haverstock

Who Owns My Student Loans?

Find and connect with your student loan servicer to determine who owns your loan and the benefits available to you.

Trea Branch's profile picture
2
Trea Branch, Eliza Haverstock

‘Fresh Start’ Program Helps Defaulted Student Loan Borrowers

Enrollment for the government’s Fresh Start program — which returns defaulted loans to "current" — closed Oct. 2, 2024.

Anna Helhoski's profile picture
2
Anna Helhoski, Eliza Haverstock

College-Bound Grads Could Exit With Nearly $40K in Student Loan Debt

College-bound high school graduates will amass thousands in debt. Many will share this debt with their parents.

Elizabeth Renter's profile picture
Elizabeth Renter

Can a College Withhold Transcripts?

Starting July 2024, most colleges are no longer allowed to withhold transcripts if you owe an unpaid balance or defaulted on a student loan.

Eliza Haverstock's profile picture
Eliza Haverstock

Is Grad School Worth It?

Graduate school can be worth it if the degree substantially boosts your career and earnings potential.

Anna Helhoski's profile picture
2
Anna Helhoski, Eliza Haverstock