Student Loans - Borrowing and Consolidation

Student loans are a way to pay for higher education. Whether you love debt or you hate it, student loans are an investment in your future. They can make an education possible when there is no other way. This page covers the basics of student loans and points you towards additional resources.

Student loan consolidation is the act of putting various (or even one) loan into a new package. You get some special benefits, and you can structure the loan the way you want.

Government sponsored loan programs offer certain benefits. Find out how these loans compare to private student loans.

Need to borrow for school? Learn the basics here: where to start and what you need to know before getting a loan.

Private student loans are an option for borrowers who have good credit. Find out how they work and how they differ from government student loan programs.

Stafford Loans are available through US Department of Education funding programs. This page covers the basics of Stafford Student Loans.

Perkins Loans are available through schools for students in need. The US Government loans money to the school, which passes it on to select borrowers. This page covers the basics of Perkins Loans.

PLUS Loans are available through US Department of Education funding programs. This page covers the basics of PLUS Loans. PLUS loans are unique because you can get really large loans depending on your costs of attendance.

In school deferment allows you to temporarily suspend payments on your student loans while you are in school. Your “in school” status is triggered by enrolling at least half time in an eligible institution. To begin an in school deferment, you must submit a request through your lender.

GreenNote is a peer-to-peer lending service students can use to raise funds for education. Students tap their network of friends, family, and others.

When you capitalize interest, you skip the payments. However, you still owe the money and you'll have to pay eventually. Your lender adds the interest charges to your loan balance, so you owe more and more as you capitalize. Capitalization is the process of adding interest charges to your existing loan balance.

When using an unsubsidized loan, you are responsible for all interest costs. Nobody (the government or a local organization, for example) pays interest for you. Unsubsidized loans are more expensive than subsidized ones, but they’re easier to get.

Borrowing today only means you'll have to repay later. Find out how you can keep your loan balances small while getting through school.

Is it possible to get a student loan without a cosigner? Yes, but it’s not going to be easy. Find out how to borrow on your own. Learn what to do if lenders are turning you away.