Student Loans by ZipCode

What's the difference between federal and private student loans?

Student loans from the federal government are generally better than ones from other lenders. Most federal loans come with lower, fixed interest rates and more flexible repayment options.

How do I file a student loan complaint?

Here's how to get help if your lender or loan servicer is giving you trouble.

Glossary of Student Loan Terms

You may run into lots of unfamiliar terms when you're dealing with your student loan. Here are explanations.

About This Website

What's the difference between Direct Loans, Stafford Loans, and FFEL Loans?

It can be confusing to keep track of different kinds of student loans; here are key differences.

What is a PLUS Loan?

These student loans are available to students' parents or graduate students.

What is a Perkins Loan?

These loans are federal student loans for low-income undergraduate or graduate students.

What if I don't know what kind of loan I have?

How to find out whether your student loan is federal or private -- a key factor that affects terms and repayment options.

What is student loan deferment?

You may be able to temporarily delay repaying student loans with a deferment.

What is student loan forbearance?

A student loan forbearance lets you postpone or reduce federal student loan repayments for a certain period of time.

What is student loan default?

If you fall behind on your student loan payments, your loan will go into default -- and you will face serious financial consequences.

Can student loan debt ruin your credit report?

If you skip payments or default on a student loan, you can seriously damage your credit.

Tips for Dealing With Student Loan Debt

Know the basics of your student loans, including how and when you must repay them, and how you can get help if you run into trouble with repayment.

How Do I Lower My Student Loan Payments?

There are many options for relief from student loan debt, depending on what kind of loans you have, when you took them out, and your current financial situation.

How Do I Postpone My Student Loan Payments?

You may be able to put off paying your student loans with a deferment or forbearance.

Student Loans That Qualify for Income-Based Repayment Plans

If you have certain kinds of student loans, you may qualify for a repayment plan that sets payment amounts based on your current income.

Can I Discharge My Student Loans In Bankruptcy?

Getting rid of student loans in bankruptcy is difficult -- but not always impossible. To succeed, you must convince the court that repaying your student loans would cause you "undue hardship."

Can I Get Forgiveness or Cancellation of My Student Loans?

Under certain circumstances, you can get your student loans wiped out. Your options depend on what kind of loans you have and when you took them out.

Can I Get Forgiveness or Cancellation of My Student Loans?

Under certain circumstances, you can get your student loans wiped out. Your options depend on what kind of loans you have and when you took them out.

Student Loan Forgiveness Progams

Did you work full time in a public service job for at least 10 years? Did you make payments on your direct student loan for that entire time? If so, you may be able to get ALL of your remaining student loan debt cancelled once you've made your 120th qualifying payment.

Avoiding Student Loan Default

Tips on managing your student loan repayment --and avoiding the serious consequences of defaulting on your loans.

What Happens If I Default on My Student Loans?

Defaulting on a student loan can have serious and long-lasting consequences. Avoid it if at all possible.

How to Get Out of Student Loan Default

What to do if you've defaulted on student loans, whether federal or private.

State Penalties for Defaulting On Your Student Loans

The consequences of defaulting on a student loan are serious and long-lasting -- and may depend on where you live. Here is information for your state.

How To Get Help With Student Loan Problems

If you run into hassles with your student loan -- lost payments, harassment from bill collectors, or other serious annoyances -- here are some ways to deal with them.

Avoiding Student Loan Scams And Pitfalls

Don't get taken in by scammers out to profit from borrowers who don't know how the student loan system works.

Unfair Student Loan Collection Practices

When you default on a student loan, you may be subject to a wide range of collection tactics -- from phone calls and letters to the loss of your tax refund or some of your wages. Know what's legal and what's not.

Student Loan Lawsuits

If you find yourself facing a student loan lawsuit, don't panic -- but don't ignore it, either. Here are a few things you should do.

Tips For Finding And Working With Your Loan Servicer

To make changes or resolve problems with a student loan, you must work with the loan "servicer." Sometimes, though, it's difficult to know who the servicer is. Here are tips on finding that information and getting results.