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STUDENT LOAN BASICS

Tips for Dealing With Student Loan Debt
What If I Don't Know What Kind of Loan I Have
Federal v. Private Student Loans

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS

How Do I Lower My Student Loan Payments
How Do I Postpone My Student Loan Payments
Student Loans That Qualify for Income-Based Repayment

STUDENT LOAN CANCELLATION

Can I Cancel My Student Loan?
Can I Discharge My Student Loan In Bankruptcy?
Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

STUDENT LOAN DEFAULT

Avoiding Student Loan Default
Wht happens If I Default On My Student Loan?
Student Loan Default Penalties
How to Get Out Of Student Loan Default

STUDENT LOAN PROBLEMS

Avoiding Student Loan Scams and Pitfalls
Unfair Student Loan Collection Practices
Student Loan Lawsuits

HELP FOR STUDENT LOANS

How to Get Help With Student Loan Problems
How to File a Student Loan Complaint
Finding and Working With Your Loan Servicer

ABOUT US

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Empowering Consumers Since 2006

1. Learn what to do.
2. Get help if you need it.
3. Get on with your life.

If you need to borrow money to pay for college or career school, start with federal loans.

Federal Student loans

Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans and
Direct PLUS Loans (for graduate and professional students).

Federal Parent loans

Direct PLUS Loans (for parents). Parents are fully responsible for paying these loans, even though they are taken out to benefit students.

Federal loans offer many advantages over private loans

lower, fixed interest rates and
more flexible repayment options such as
- Income Driven Repayment options
Full or partial Loan Forgiveness for
- Public Service Employment
- Disability
- Defunct Colleges
  - Corinthian, et al

The following chart, adapted from the U.S. Department of Education website, summarizes the important differences between federal and private student loans.

Subject	Federal Student Loans	Federal Parent Loans	Private Student Loans^*
When payments become due	Payments aren’t due until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.	You (the parent) can choose to put off payments until the student you borrowed for graduates, leaves school, or changes enrollment status to less than half-time.	Many private student loans require payments while you are still in school, but some do allow you to defer (put off) payments while in school.
Interest rates	The interest rate is fixed and is often lower than private loans—and much lower than some credit card interest rates. View the current interest rates on federal student loans.	The interest rate is fixed and may be lower than private loans—and much lower than some credit card interest rates. View the current interest rates on federal student and parent loans.	Private student loans can have variable or fixed interest rates, which may be higher or lower than the rates on federal loans depending on your circumstances.
Subsidies	If you have financial need, you may qualify for a loan for which the government pays the interest while you’re in school on at least a half-time basis and during certain other periods. This type of loan is called a "subsidized loan."	These loans are not subsidized; therefore, you will be responsible for all the interest on your loans.	Private student loans are often not subsidized. In the case of an unsubsidized loan, you will be responsible for all the interest on your loan.
Credit check	You don’t need to get a credit check to qualify for federal student loans (except for PLUS loans). For PLUS loans, we will check your credit before determining whether you are eligible. Learn how someone with an adverse credit history may qualify for a PLUS loan.	We will check your credit before determining whether you are eligible. Learn how someone with an adverse credit history may qualify for a PLUS loan.	Private student loans often require an established credit record or a cosigner.
Tax benefits	Interest may be tax deductible.	Interest may be tax deductible.	Interest may be tax deductible.
Consolidation & refinancing	Loans can be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Learn about your consolidation options.	Loans can be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Learn about your consolidation options.	Private student loans cannot be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan but may be refinanced.
Postponement options	If you are having trouble repaying your loan, you may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments.	If you are having trouble repaying your loan, you may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments.	You should check with your lender to find out about options for postponing or lowering your loan payments.
Repayment plans	There are several repayment plans, including an option to tie your monthly payment to your income.	There are several repayment plans, including an option to tie your monthly payment to your income.	You should check with your lender to find out about your repayment options.
Prepayment penalties	There is no prepayment penalty fee.	There is no prepayment penalty fee.	You need to make sure there are no prepayment penalty fees.
Loan forgiveness	You may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service. Learn about our loan forgiveness programs.	You may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service. Learn about our loan forgiveness programs.	Although many private lenders do not offer loan forgiveness programs, some student loans from state agencies can be forgiven in certain circumstances.
Where to get help	Contact your loan servicer first. If you have difficulty with your loan servicer, send us feedback.	Contact your loan servicer first. If you have difficulty with your loan servicer, send us feedback.	Contact your loan servicer first. If you have difficulty with your loan servicer, contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for assistance

^*Private loans differ by lender and by type of loan. Be sure you understand the terms of your loan, and keep in touch with your lender about any questions you may have.

Student Loans FAQ >

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

Most existing federal student loans came from just two loan programs: the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. The FFEL program was canceled as of July 1, 2010, which means that loans made on or after that date are Direct Loans. Loans made between August 10, 1993 and July 1, 2010 may be either FFEL or Direct Loans, depending on the lender.

The basic difference between the two federal loan programs is that Direct Loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. FFEL Loans, on the other hand, came from private lenders. Those older loans were backed up ("guaranteed") by the federal government.

Types of FFEL Loans. The FFEL program was created in 1965. Under the program, student or parent borrowers may have received one or more of the following types of loans: Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (formerly known as Guaranteed Student Loans (GSLs) or Federal Insured Student Loans (FISLs), Federal PLUS Loans or Federal Consolidation Loans. Many FFEL loans have been sold to the U.S. Department of Education, so you may be currently paying off FFEL loans as if they were direct loans.

Types of Direct Loans. The Direct Loan program was created in 1993. Under the Direct Loan program, you may have received one or more of the following types of loans: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, or Direct Consolidation Loans. Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans were sometimes called "Direct Stafford Loans," but that terminology is not used for newer loans. You will repay these loans directly to the U.S. Department of Education.

How to Get Information About Your Loans

To find out what type of loan you have and learn more about its terms, see What If I Don't Know What Kind of Loan I Have?

Learn More

For a detailed history of federal student loan programs, we like this article from the Federal Education Budget Project of the New America Foundation.

Student Loans FAQ >

What is a PLUS Loan?

PLUS Loans are federal student loans for graduate and professional students and parents of undergraduates. PLUS loans made to parents can't later be transferred to the child. The parent who receives the loan must repay it.

Borrowers can take out PLUS Loans up to the cost of attendance, which is determined by the school, minus any other financial aid the student receives. For PLUS Loans made between June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2014, the interest rate was 6.41%. PLUS Loans made between June 30, 2014 and July 1, 2015 carry an interest rate of 7.21%

You must pass a credit check to obtain PLUS Loans. If you don't qualify on your own, you may be able to get PLUS Loans with a cosigner (the Department of Education calls this person an "endorser").

For more details on PLUS Loans, see the U.S. Department of Education website.

Student Loans FAQ >

What is a Perkins Loan?

A Perkins Loan is a federal student loan for low-income undergraduate or graduate students. From July 1, 1972 until October 17, 1986, these loans were called National Direct Student Loans (NDSLs). Before July 1, 1972, they were known as National Defense Student Loans, or NDSLs.

The interest rate on Perkins Loans is lower than the rate for other federal student loans, and the loan comes with more flexible terms -- such as additional repayment and cancellation options. And Perkins Loans are subsidized by the federal government, meaning you don't pay interest on the loans while you are in school or during periods of deferment.

Also, unlike other types of federal student loans, Perkins Loans are made by your school, using a combination of school and federal funds. This means the school is considered your lender, and you should contact the school directly if you have questions about your loan.

For more information, see Perkins Loans on the Federal Student Aid website.

Student Loans FAQ >

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

When it comes to managing student loan debt, most of your choices depend on whether your loans are federal or private. If you're not sure what kind of loans you have, use the National Student Loan Data System. Choose "Financial Aid Review" and supply the requested information to get a list of all federal loans made to you.

To use the system, you will need to supply:

your Social Security number
the first two letters of your last name
your date of birth, and
your U.S. Department of Education PIN number.

The FSA ID replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN on May 10, 2015. If you haven’t logged in to a U.S. Department of Education (ED) online system since then, you’ll need to create an FSA ID before you can use U.S. Department of Education online systems.

Once you get to the list of your loans, you can click on each loan to get details about it, including exactly what kind of federal loan it is and who services it.

If you have student loans that aren't on the national database list, it means they are private loans. For more information, you'll need to contact the financial institution that made the loan.

Student Loans FAQ >

What is student loan deferment?

A deferment allows you to temporarily stop paying your federal student loans. You qualify for a deferment if you meet certain conditions -- for example, if you are unemployed and looking for work, or if you return to school at least half time. If you are eligible for a deferment, you can postpone payment on both the principal and interest of your loans. In some cases, the federal government will even pay the interest for you. In other situations, interest continues to accrue during the deferment period.

For more information, see How Do I Postpone My Student Loan Payments?

Student Loans FAQ >

What is student loan forbearance?

A student loan forbearance, like a deferment, allows you to postpone or reduce your federal student loan payments for a set period of time. However, it is often easier to get a forbearance than a deferment -- for example, you may qualify even if your loan is in default, or if you are experiencing financial hardship that falls short of conditions for deferment. The downside is that forbearance is usually more expensive than deferment. Interest always accrues during a forbearance, causing your loan balance to grow.

For more information, see How Do I Postpone My Student Loan Payments?

Student Loans FAQ >

What is student loan default?

Default is what happens if you fall behind on your student loan payments. For most loans, if you fail to make a payment for 270 days (that's nine months) the loan will go into default. After that, your school, the loan servicer, or the government can take action against you to get back what you owe. You may face serious legal and practical consequences if you default on your student loans.

To learn how to avoid default, see What If I Can't Pay My Student Loans?

For more information about the consequences of default, see What Happens If I Default on My Student Loans?

If your loans are already in default, see How to Get Out of Student Loan Default.

Student Loans FAQ >

Can student loan debt ruin your credit report?

Skipping payments or defaulting on a student loan can have serious and lasting effects on your credit. When a delinquency or default notation appears on your credit report you may have more trouble with basic financial tasks such as:

getting a mortgage, car loan, or credit cards
renting an apartment
maintaining favorable interest rates on your existing loans or credit cards
opening bank accounts
obtaining insurance policies
getting a cell phone contract, or
getting a job.

Most negative information is removed from your credit report after seven years, but student loan defaults may remain on your record much longer. Defaults for a federal student loan may be reported for seven years after the most recent of the following dates:

when it's paid off
when it's first reported, or
if you rehabilitated the loan, when you re-default on it.

(See 20 U.S.C. §§ 1080a(f).)

If you default on a federal Perkins loan, the default can remain on your credit record until you pay the loan in full. (See 20 U.S.C. § 1087cc(c)(3).)

The consequences of default go well beyond damage to your credit report. To learn more, see What Happens If I Default on My Student Loans?

If your loans are already in default and you're looking for solutions, see How to Get Out of Student Loan Default.

Student Loans FAQ >

What is a Pell Grant?

Pell Grants are in the news lately since the Federal Government announced that federal Student Loans will get loan forgiveness of $10,000 and up to $20,000 for those who qualified for a Pell grant.

Pell grants are currently awarded to students whose "expected family contribution" to their college is less than $5846, and can range from $650 to 6,495.

Pell grants are awarded based on the information in your FAFSA application.

Student Loans FAQ >

How do I file a student loan complaint?

If you find yourself in a dispute with the holder or servicer of your student loan, you should first take steps to resolve the problem directly. If that doesn't work, the following services are available to assist you.

Filing a Federal Student Loan Complaint

If you're having difficulty with the lender or servicer of your federally guaranteed student loan, you can get help from the Department of Education. For guidelines, visit the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman website or call 877-557-2575.

Filing a Private Student Loan Complaint

If you're having trouble with private student loan company or a collection agency, you can turn to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB provides services to assist you in resolving complaints about your private student loans. For more information, visit the CFPB Student Loan Complaints website or all 855-411-2372.

Learn More

For more details and additional resources, including additional tips for working out student loan problems without filing a formal complaint, see How to Get Help With Student Loan Problems.

Student Loans FAQ >

Glossary of Student Loan Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Academic Year

A period of time schools use to measure a quantity of study. Contact your financial aid office for information on how your school defines Academic Year.
Acceleration

Demand for immediate repayment of your entire federal student loan. The entire unpaid amount of your federal student loan becomes due and payable if you:
- Receive loan money, but do not enroll at least half-time at the school that determined you were eligible to receive the federal student loan;
- Use your loan money to pay for anything other than expenses related to your education at the school that determined you were eligible to receive the federal student loan;
- Make a false statement that causes you to receive a federal student loan that you are not eligible to receive; or
- Default on your federal student loan.
Accrue

To accumulate interest on a loan.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

You can find your Adjusted Gross Income on your most recently filed federal tax return: IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
Aggregate Loan Limits

A limit on the total amount of subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study. If the total loan amount you receive over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans. However, if you repay some of your loans to bring your outstanding loan debt below the aggregate loan limit, you could then borrow again, up to the amount of your remaining eligibility under the aggregate loan limit.
Alien Registration Number

The alien registration number or "A-number" is an identifying number that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assign to certain non-citizens. A-numbers may consist of 8 or 9 digits. The A-number is yours for life, much like a social security number. The A-number may be found on your green card.
Annual Loan Limit

The maximum federal student loan eligibility per academic year. These amounts vary by type of loan and grade level. Your school will tell you how much you are eligible to receive each academic year. Specific amounts can be found at StudentAid.gov.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The actual yearly cost of borrowing money reflected as a percentage rate.
Award Letter

A letter from your school that details your federal, state, institutional and private student financial aid.
Books, Supplies, Transportation, and Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

Includes reasonable amounts, as determined by your school.
Borrower

The individual who signed and agreed to the terms in the promissory note and is responsible for repaying a loan.
Capitalized Interest (Capitalization)

Unpaid interest that has been added to the principal balance of a federal student loan. Future interest is charged on the increased principal balance and this may increase your monthly payment amount and the total amount you repay over the life of the federal student loan.
Consolidation

The process of combining one or more loans into a single new loan.
Consumer Reporting Agencies

See credit bureaus.
Cost of Attendance (COA)

The total cost to attend school for the academic year, as determined by your school.
Credit Bureaus

A credit bureau collects the credit information of individuals and makes it available to financial institutions, credit card companies, etc. Credit bureaus are also known as consumer reporting agencies (CRAs).
Credit Score

A number reported by credit bureaus and used by lenders to determine whether to lend you money, and what interest rate to charge you.
Credit Report

A collection of information about you and your credit history, kept by the three major credit bureaus.
Debt Consolidation

When a borrower contracts with a third party company to manage his or her unsecured debt.
Debt-to-Income Ratio

The amount of debt compared to your overall income. Lenders use this ratio when determining whether to lend you money. A low debt-to-income ratio is more desirable.
Default

Failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to. For the FFEL and Direct Loan programs, your loan is in default if you fail to make a payment for 270 days, if you repay monthly (or 330 days, if your payments are due less frequently). Your lender is required to report the default to at least one national credit bureau.
Deferment

Allows you to temporarily stop making payments on your federal student loans. You are not charged interest on subsidized loans during deferment. Interest will continue to be charged on your unsubsidized loans and PLUS loans.
Delinquency

You become delinquent on a loan if you don't make a payment when due. Your lender is required to report the delinquency to at least one national credit bureau.
Dependent Child Care Expenses

The cost of care during periods that include but are not limited to class time, study time, field work, internships, and commuting time for the student.
Direct Loan

See William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program.
Disbursement

A portion of a federal student loan that the school pays out by applying the funds to the student's school account or by paying the borrower directly. Students generally receive their federal student loans in more than one disbursement.
Discretionary Income

Your adjusted gross income minus the poverty guidelines for your family size.
Eligible loans for the IBR plan

Eligible loans for the IBR plan are Direct Loan and FFEL Program loans other than: (1) a loan that is in default, (2) a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower, or (3) a Direct or Federal Consolidation Loan that repaid a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower. Federal Perkins Loans, HEAL loans or other health education loans, and private education loans are not eligible for the IBR plan. To access information on all of your federal student loans, check the National Student Loan Data System at www.nslds.ed.gov.
Eligible Loans for the ICR plan

Eligible loans for the ICR plan are Direct Loan Program loans received by an eligible new borrower other than: (1) a loan that is in default, (2) a Direct PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower, or (3) a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan (these are Direct Consolidation Loans made based on an application received prior to July 1, 2006 that repaid Direct or Federal PLUS Loans made to a parent borrower). FFEL Program Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, HEAL loans or other health education loans, and private education loans are not eligible for the ICR plan. A Direct Consolidation Loan made based on an application received on or after July 1, 2006, including loans that repaid a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower, is eligible for the ICR plan. To access information on all of your federal student loans, check the National Student Loan Data System at www.nslds.ed.gov.
Eligible Loans for the Pay As You Earn Plan

Eligible loans for the Pay As You Earn plan are Direct Loan Program loans other than: (1) a loan that is in default, (2) a Direct PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower, or (3) a Direct Consolidation Loan that repaid a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan made to a parent borrower. FFEL Program Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, HEAL loans or other health education loans, and private education loans are not eligible for the Pay As You Earn plan. To access information on all of your federal student loans, check the National Student Loan Data System at www.nslds.ed.gov.
Endorser

Someone who does not have an adverse credit history and agrees to repay the federal student loan if you do not.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the number that's used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. This number results from the financial information you provided in your FAFSA application. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Extended Repayment Plan

Under this plan, your monthly payments are:
- fixed or graduated
- made for up to 25 years
You must have had no outstanding balance on a Direct Loan and /or a FFEL Program loan as of October 7, 1998, or on the date you obtained a Direct Loan and/or a FFEL Program loan after October 7, 1998, and you must have more than $30,000 in outstanding Direct Loans or $30,000 in FFEL Program loans.

For example, if you have $35,000 in outstanding FFEL Loans and $10,000 in outstanding Direct Loans, you can choose the Extended Repayment Plan for your FFEL Loans, but not for your Direct Loans.
FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is a form that must be completed annually to help determine your eligibility for federal student aid. For more information, or to complete a FAFSA online for free, visit FAFSA on the Web.
Family Size

Family size includes you, your spouse, and your children (including unborn children who will be born during the year for which you certify your family size), if the children will receive more than half their support from you. It includes other people only if they live with you now, they receive more than half their support from you now, and they will continue to receive this support from you for the year that you certify your family size. Support includes: money, gifts, loans, housing, food, clothes, car, medical and dental care, and payment of college costs. For the purposes of these repayment plans, your family size may be different from the number of exemptions you claim on your federal income tax return.
Federal Student Aid PIN

A number used in combination with your Social Security Number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites.
FFEL

Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. Federal student loans borrowed through private lenders and guaranteed by the federal government. FFEL Loans include the following types of federal student loans: Subsidized Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and Federal Consolidation Loans.

The FFEL Program ended July 1, 2010 and no new loans have been made since that date.
Final Divorce Decree

Document prepared by the court that has been signed and notarized, setting forth the terms and conditions of the divorce.
Financial Aid Package

The types and amounts of financial aid (federal and nonfederal) a student is offered by the school to help pay educational costs.
Financial Need

The cost of attendance minus your expected family contribution.
Forbearance

Allows you to temporarily stop making payments or reduce your federal student loans' monthly payment. Interest will continue to be charged on your subsidized, unsubsidized and PLUS loans.
Grace Period

A period of time that generally begins on the day after a borrower graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment and ends on the day before the repayment period begins. A borrower is not required to make payments during the grace period. Grace periods occur for:
- subsidized and unsubsidized loans made under the Direct Loan and FFEL programs (six-month grace period); and
- loans made under the Perkins loan program (generally nine-month grace period).
Graduate or Professional Student

A student who:
(1) Is not an undergraduate student;
(2) Is enrolled in a program or course above the bachelors degree level or is enrolled in a program leading to a professional degree; and
(3) Has completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study either before entering the program or as part of the program itself.
Graduated Repayment Plan

Under this plan, your monthly payments
- start out low and increase every two years
- are made for up to ten years (not including periods of deferment or forbearance)
- will at least equal the amount of interest that accrues between your payments
- won't be more than three times greater than any other payment
Grant

Student grants are monetary gifts to people who are pursuing higher education. Unlike student loans, grants do not require repayment.
Gross Income

Your total income before deductions.
Half-Time Enrollment

The minimum hours or credit hours you need to be enrolled to be eligible for a federal student loan. For information on half-time enrollment at your school contact your school's financial aid office.
Head of household
- You are unmarried or 'considered unmarried' on the last day of the year.
- You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for the year.
- A 'qualifying person' lived with you in the home for more than half the year (except for temporary absences such as school). However, if the 'qualifying person' is your dependent parent, he or she does not have to live with you.
Holder/Loan Holder

An entity that holds your loan promissory note and has the right to collect from you. Many banks sell loans, so the initial lender and the current holder could be different. The holder(s) of your Direct Loans is the U.S. Department of Education (the Department). The holder of your FFEL Program loan(s) may be a lender, secondary market, guaranty agency, or the Department. Your loan holder(s) may use a servicer to handle billing, payment, repayment options, and other communications on your loans.
Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR)

IBR is a repayment plan with monthly payments that are limited to 15 percent of your discretionary income. Discretionary income for this plan is the difference between your adjusted gross income and 150 percent of the poverty guideline amount for your state of residence and family size, divided by 12. To initially qualify for IBR and to continue making income-based payments under this plan, you must have a partial financial hardship (see definition).
Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR)

ICR is a repayment plan with monthly payments that are the lesser of (1) what you would pay on a 12-year standard repayment plan multiplied by an income percentage factor or (2) 20 percent of your discretionary income divided by 12. Discretionary income for this plan is the difference between your adjusted gross income and the poverty guideline amount for your state of residence and family size.
Interest

The cost to borrow money. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding (unpaid) principal balance.
Interest Rate

The percentage charged when you borrow money. See also Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
IRS Data Retrieval Tool

The IRS Data Retrieval tool is an easy and secure way to access and transfer tax return information directly onto the electronic IBR/Pay As You Earn/ICR Request, saving time and improving accuracy. If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to provide tax information, you must provide your servicer(s) with a copy of your tax return or obtain an official tax transcript from the IRS.
LIBOR

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is the average interest rate paid on deposits of US dollars in the London market.
Loan

Money that you borrow and must repay with interest.
Loan Discharge (Cancellation)

The forgiveness of a loan debt under certain circumstances.
Loan Fee (Origination Fee)

A fee charged for each federal student loan you receive that is a percentage of the total loan amount you are borrowing (gross amount). The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each disbursement of your loan. This reduces the actual loan amount you receive (net amount). The specific loan fee that you are charged will be included in a disclosure statement you will receive after the first disbursement of your federal student loan. You will be required to repay the gross amount.
Loan Forgiveness

The cancellation of a loan debt under various loan forgiveness programs.
Loan Modification Agreement

Temporary or permanent restructure of a mortgage loan.
Loan Period

The portion of the academic year that the loan is requested for.
Loan Reference Number

An identifying number associated to a Direct PLUS Loan Request. Used by an endorser when completing a Direct PLUS Loan endorser addendum for a specific loan.
Loan Servicer/Federal Loan Servicer

An entity that collects payments on a federal student loan, responds to customer service inquiries, and performs other administrative tasks associated with maintaining a federal student loan on behalf of a loan holder. A federal loan servicer is a loan servicer for the U.S. Department of Education. If you have a Direct Loan, you will be assigned a federal loan servicer.
Master Promissory Note (MPN)

A legal document in which you promise to repay your federal student loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to your lender or loan holder. There is one MPN for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and a different MPN for Direct PLUS Loans.

Most schools are authorized to make multiple federal student loans under one MPN for up to 10 years.

Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities Statement - The MPN contains a Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities Statement that explains the terms and conditions of the loan(s) you receive. It is very important to read and save this document because you'll need to refer to it later when you begin repaying your federal student loan(s).
Minimum Balance

The minimum amount of money a bank requires you to keep in your account to avoid fees.
My Annual Taxable Income

You must list all taxable income you are receiving this year (i.e., income from employment, unemployment income, dividend income, interest income, tips, alimony). Do not report untaxed income such as Supplemental Security Income, child support, or federal or state public assistance.

If you would like to use your most recent AGI and it was not available through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, enter your AGI next to Your Annual Taxable Income.

Note: If you filed a joint tax return, enter your joint AGI here and leave Your Spouse's Annual Taxable Income blank.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

The central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan Program, and other federal student aid programs.

Any Title IV grant or loan you receive will be included in NSLDS. You can access NSLDS at www.NSLDS.ed.gov.
New Borrower for Pay As You Earn

A new borrower has (1) no outstanding balance on a Direct Loan or FFEL program loan as of October 1, 2007 or has no outstanding balance on a Direct Loan or FFEL program loan when you obtain a new loan on or after October 1, 2007, and (2) received a disbursement of a Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, or student Direct PLUS Loan on or after October 1, 2011, or received a Direct Consolidation Loan based on an application received on or after October 1, 2011. However, you are not considered a new borrower if the Direct Consolidation Loan you receive repays loans that would make you ineligible under part (1) of this definition.
On-time

Payment made within 15 days of the scheduled due date.
Parental Contributions

Money your parents give you to help pay for educational expenses. Not the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA.
Partial Financial Hardship for IBR

For IBR, you have a partial financial hardship when the annual amount due on all of your eligible loans or, if you are married and file a joint federal income tax return, the annual amount due on all of your eligible loans and your spouse's eligible loans, exceeds 15 percent of the difference between your adjusted gross income (AGI), as shown on your most recently filed federal income tax return, and 150 percent of the annual poverty guideline amount for your family size and state of residence: Annual amount of payments due > 15% [AGI - (150% x applicable poverty guideline amount)].
Partial Financial Hardship for Pay As You Earn

For Pay As You Earn, you have a partial financial hardship when the annual amount due on all of your eligible loans or, if you are married and file a joint federal income tax return, the annual amount due on all of your eligible loans and your spouse's eligible loans, exceeds 10 percent of the difference between your adjusted gross income (AGI), as shown on your most recently filed federal income tax return, and 150 percent of the annual poverty guideline amount for your family size and state of residence: Annual amount of payments due > 10% [AGI - (150% x applicable poverty guideline amount)].
Pay As You Earn Plan

The Pay As You Earn plan is a repayment plan with monthly payments that are limited to 10 percent of your discretionary income (the difference between your adjusted gross income and 150 percent of the poverty guideline amount for your state of residence and family size, divided by 12). To initially qualify for the Pay As You Earn plan and to continue to make income-based payments under this plan, you must have a partial financial hardship (and be a new borrower).
Payroll Deductions

Amount withheld by an employer from employee's earnings. Some examples are: Federal Income Tax (withholding), Social Security, Medicare, State Taxes, Other Deductions (Health Insurance, Retirement Plan, etc.).
Perkins Loan

A loan made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program for students with exceptional financial need. Perkins Loans are administered by the school.
PLUS Loan

Direct PLUS Loans are loans for eligible graduate or professional students and eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for the cost of the student's education at participating schools.*

Includes Direct PLUS Loans (made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program) and Federal PLUS Loans (made through the Federal Family Education Loan Program.**)

Students' loan information doesn't include PLUS loans taken out by parents on their behalf.

* Graduate or professional students should exhaust unsubsidized and subsidized loans before taking out Direct PLUS Loans.

** The FFEL Program ended July 1, 2010 and no new loans have been made since that date.
Poverty Guideline

Poverty guideline amount is the figure for your state and family size from the poverty guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS poverty guidelines are used for purposes such as determining eligibility for certain federal benefit programs. If you are not a resident of a state identified in the poverty guidelines, your poverty guideline amount is the amount used for the 48 contiguous states.
Prepaid Tuition

A Section 529 plan. Prepaid tuition plans let you lock in future tuition rates at in-state public colleges at current prices and are usually guaranteed by the state.
Prime

The interest rate banks charge their most creditworthy commercial customers.
Principal

The loan amount you borrowed plus any capitalized interest.
Rehabilitated Loan

A defaulted loan is rehabilitated if the borrower makes nine voluntary, reasonable, and affordable monthly payments within twenty days of the due date during ten consecutive months.
Repayment

To pay back money you borrowed by making scheduled payments to a loan holder or servicer.
Repayment Period

The maximum time period over which you must repay your federal student loan. The repayment period may range from 10 years to 30 years, depending on loan amount, loan type, and repayment plan.
Repayment Plan

A plan set up and agreed upon between a borrower and lender that determines the amount you pay each month and the number of payments you must make.
Room and Board

An allowance for the cost of housing and food while attending college or career school.
Satisfactory Repayment Arrangement

Agreement between the debtor and the account holder detailing the terms of repayment.
Standard Repayment Plan

Under this plan, your monthly payments are
- a fixed amount of at least $50 each month
- made for up to 10 years (not including periods of deferment or forbearance)
This repayment plan saves you money over time because your monthly payments may be slightly higher than payments made under other plans, but you'll pay off your federal student loan in the shortest time. For this reason, you will pay the least amount of interest over the life of your federal student loan.
Student Aid Report (SAR)

A summary of the information you submit on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that provides you with your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Student Loan

Money you borrow for school and must repay with interest.
Student Loan Debt Burden

Student loan debt burden is the portion of a student's monthly income dedicated to their student loan payments. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has the following categories for student loan debt burden:
- Low: Monthly payment less than 8% of monthly income
- Medium: Monthly payment between 8% and 14% of monthly income
- High: Monthly payment greater than 14% of monthly income
Subsidized Loan

A federal student loan for which in some cases, a borrower is not responsible for paying the interest while in an in-school, grace*, or deferment period. Includes Direct Subsidized Loans (made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program) and Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans (made through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program**.)

* Interest will be charged during your grace period, if your loan is first disbursed July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014.

** The FFEL Program ended July 1, 2010 and no new loans have been made since that date.
Tax Credit

Reduces the taxes owed.
Tax - Tax Credit=Taxes Owed
$1000 - $250 = $750
Tax Deduction

Reduces taxable income.
Income - Deduction=Taxable Income
$45,000 - $5,000 = $40,000
Taxable Income

All income you are receiving this year (i.e., income from employment, unemployment income, dividend income, interest income, tips, or alimony). Does not include untaxed income such as Supplemental Security Income, child support, or federal or state public assistance.
Tax Return

A form submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and your state government on an annual basis reporting your income for the year.
Tax Withholding Allowances

An allowance an individual claims on a W-4 Form. A withholding allowance is mainly used to assist an employer in calculating the amount of income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck.
Tuition

The costs of teaching/instruction at an institution (e.g. the rental or purchase of equipment (including equipment for instruction by telecommunications), materials, or supplies required of all students in the same course of study).
Undergraduate Student

A student who is enrolled in an undergraduate course of study at a college/university or career school that usually doesn't exceed four years and that leads to an undergraduate degree or certificate.
Unsubsidized Loan

A federal student loan for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status. Includes Direct Unsubsidized Loans (made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program) and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans (made through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program*.)

* The FFEL Program ended July 1, 2010 and no new loans have been made since that date.
Untaxed Income

Income you do not pay taxes on, such as Supplemental Security income, child support, or federal, or public assistance, or you are not required to file a federal income tax return based on the amount of your taxable income.
Voluntary Payment

Payment made directly by the borrower and does not include payments obtained by federal offset, garnishment of income or asset execution.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program

Student loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education to enable a student to pay for education after high school. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating schools. Direct Loans include the following types of federal student loans: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans.
Withholding

Amount withheld by an employer from employee's earnings. Some examples are: Federal Income Tax (withholding), Social Security, Medicare, State Taxes, Other Deductions (Health Insurance, Retirement Plan, etc.)

Glossary source: www.studentloans.gov

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