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.
14 Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for 2026: Do You Qualify?
The Education Department has forgiven billions of dollars in student loans through existing programs. If you have federal debt and meet certain requirements, you may qualify.
When Is the FAFSA Deadline?
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30 each year, but states and colleges often have earlier deadlines. The 2026-27 FAFSA is due by June 30, 2027.
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.
What Is a Private Student Loan?
Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions and online lenders.
How to Pay for Law School
Use federal student loans before private loans to pay for law school if free financial aid won’t cover your costs.
Student Loan Rehabilitation: What It Is and When to Use It
You can rehabilitate defaulted federal student loans to get them back in good standing. And starting in 2027, you can rehabilitate up to two times, instead of one.
What Happens If You Miss a Student Loan Payment?
A missed student loan payment results in late fees and eventually your loan will default.
6 Things to Know About Student Loans Before You Start School
Max out federal student loans before you apply for private loans — and only borrow what you need and can repay.
How to Defer Student Loans — And Whether You Should
Temporarily deferring payments may be necessary during a rough time, but it's not a great long-term solution.
8 Money Tips for New College Grads
Learn how to spend, save and invest your first job income while paying down debt.
How To Recertify Income-Driven Repayment
If you're enrolled in a student loan repayment plan based on your income, you must recertify your financial information each year.
How Student Loan Income-Based Repayment Is Calculated
Income-driven plans can calculate payments based on your spouse's income and debt, as well as how much you earn.
Income-Driven Repayment: Is It Right for You?
Can't afford federal student loan payments? Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness? IDR might be right for you — but options will change in 2026.
What Is the Standard Repayment Plan for Student Loans?
Starting in 2026, the new standard plan repayment term will be 10, 15, 20 or 25 years, depending on your federal student loan balance.
What Are Graduated and Extended Graduated Repayment Plans for Student Loans?
Graduated and extended graduated repayment plans can lower your monthly payments initially, but they can also lead to larger bills.
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.
Should You Refinance Federal Student Loans?
Consider refinancing federal student loans only if you don't need federal benefits and can qualify for lower rates.
Can Student Loans Take My Tax Refund?
If your federal loans are in default, the government can withhold your tax refund and apply it toward repayment.
Student Loan Wage Garnishment: How Default Can Gut Your Paycheck
Wage garnishment is paused for most federal student loans.
