How to Get a Student Loan in 2026
Start with federal loans, which involves filling out the FAFSA to see aid and loan opportunities.
Weighted Average Interest Rate for Student Loan Consolidation
The weighted average interest rate is used to determine your new interest rate if you decide to consolidate your federal student loans.
Student Loan Default: What It Is and How to Recover
Borrowers can get federal student loans out of default with options like loan rehabilitation and consolidation.
How Borrower Defense to Repayment Works
Borrowers defrauded by their schools may seek student loan forgiveness through borrower defense to repayment.
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What Is the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan for Student Loans?
Legacy federal student loan borrowers can stay on IBR, even as other income-driven plans go away in 2028. Before choosing IBR, compare it with the newest repayment plan called RAP.
What Are the 2027-28 FAFSA Requirements?
To qualify for financial aid, you’ll need to verify your citizenship, enrollment status and financial need.
Income-Driven Repayment Calculator for Student Loans
Use our calculator to estimate your monthly federal student loan payment under the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) or a legacy income-driven repayment plan.
What Is the Student Loan Interest Deduction?
The student loan interest deduction allows you to deduct up to $2,500 from your taxable income.
Nelnet Customer Service: What It Can Do and How to Contact
Nelnet is a federal student loan servicer that manages loans and borrower payments.
CSS Profile: Everything You Need to Know for 2026-27
Hundreds of colleges use the CSS Profile to award institutional grants and scholarships to students. The form opens on Oct. 1.
Which to Borrow: Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans
Anyone can borrow unsubsidized federal loans, but those who qualify for subsidized loans save more money in interest.
How to Get Forgiveness for Your Perkins Loans
Perkins loan holders who work in a public service position are eligible to have their student debt forgiven.
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What Is In-State Tuition For College?
In-state tuition can cost thousands of dollars less than out-of-state or private universities, but you need to establish residency first. Here’s how.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: What to Know in 2026
If you work for a qualifying public service employer, PSLF could be your best path to federal student loan forgiveness. Here's what to know about the program and the 2026 changes affecting it.
Do You Have to Fill Out the FAFSA Every Year?
You must submit the FAFSA every year you're in college if you want to receive aid.
FAFSA Checklist: The Documents You Need for 2027-28
This FAFSA checklist can help you determine which documents you may need to complete the 2027-28 form.
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What Is Work-Study?
Work-study is a federal student aid program for college students with financial need that helps them get part-time jobs.
How Much Financial Aid Can I Get?
You can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator and a net price calculator to estimate your financial aid.
Federal vs. Private Student Loans: Compare Key Differences
Federal student loans offer payment relief and forgiveness options that are not available for private loans.
States With Free College Programs
A roundup of state-sponsored, tuition-free college scholarship programs.