Student Loan FAQ

How do I file a student loan complaint?

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

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.

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'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 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.

Can student loan debt ruin your credit report?

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

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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.

Glossary of Student Loan Terms

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

What is a Perkins Loan?

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

Student Loan FAQ

Your top questions answered.

What is a Pell Grant?

A Pell Grant is not a loan, but eligibility may qualify you for loan forgiveness options for your federal loans