Understand borrowing

Borrowing for Graduate School: Federal, Grad PLUS, and Private

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Deferment vs. Forbearance: Which to Choose and Why

Compare student loan deferment and forbearance to understand when each applies, how interest accrues, and the long-term cost impact.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Student Loan Interest Capitalization Works

Understand when unpaid interest gets added to your loan principal and how capitalization can inflate your total student loan debt by thousands.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score

Learn how student loan payments affect your credit score and what that means for getting approved for a mortgage, car loan, or credit card.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Choose a Student Loan Servicer

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Nurse and Healthcare Worker Loan Forgiveness Programs

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loan Comparison: What to Look For

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Should You Pay Student Loan Interest While in School?

See the math behind making in-school interest payments on student loans and find out when it saves money and when it doesn't.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

State-Based Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Student Loan Tax Deductions: The $2,500 Interest Deduction

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Student Loan Repayment in 2026: What New Borrowers Need to Know Before They Sign

The SAVE plan is gone. Here's what repayment actually looks like for students borrowing in 2026 — and how to avoid borrowing more than you can handle.

Apr 16, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

When Parent PLUS Isn't Enough: How to Fill the Gap

New PLUS loan caps mean many families can't borrow what they used to. Here's a practical decision tree for filling the remaining gap.

Apr 16, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Co-Signing a Student Loan: What Parents Must Know

Co-signing makes you equally liable for your child's student loan. Know the risks, release options, and alternatives before signing.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Much Should You Borrow Based on Your Expected Salary

The simplest rule in student borrowing: never take out more in total loans than your expected first-year salary. Here is how to calculate your personal limit.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Build a Repayment Plan Before Graduation

Building a repayment plan before you graduate gives you a head start on managing student debt — here is how to calculate payments and pick the right strategy.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Income-Driven Repayment Plans Compared

Compare SAVE, PAYE, IBR, and ICR repayment plans side by side to find the one that gives you the lowest monthly payment.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Parent PLUS Loans in 2026: New Caps and What They Mean for Your Family

For years, parents could borrow as much as needed to cover college costs through Parent PLUS loans. That's changing. On July 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces new borrowing limits: $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per child.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Explained for 2026

PSLF forgives your remaining student loan balance after 120 qualifying payments while working in public service. Here is how it works.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Student Loan Consolidation vs. Refinancing Explained

Federal consolidation and private refinancing sound similar but work very differently — this side-by-side comparison helps you decide which option fits your loans.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Student Loan Grace Periods: What Happens After Graduation

Your student loan grace period gives you six months after graduation before payments begin — here is how to use that time wisely and avoid costly mistakes.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Student Loan Interest Rates in 2026: What to Expect

Federal student loan rates for 2025-26 are set each June based on Treasury yields — here is what current rates look like and how to lock in the best deal.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Student Loan Refinancing: When It Helps and When It Hurts

Refinancing can lower your interest rate, but it means giving up federal protections like IDR plans and loan forgiveness.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Teacher Loan Forgiveness: How to Get Up to $17,500 Forgiven

Teachers at qualifying Title I schools can have up to $17,500 in student loans forgiven after five years of service.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Happens If You Default on Student Loans

Defaulting on student loans triggers wage garnishment, credit score damage, and tax refund seizure — but there are ways to recover and get back on track.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What Every Student Should Understand Before Choosing

Federal and private student loans look similar on paper but work very differently. Here's what changes that matters most.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide

The Student Loan Tradeoffs Nobody Explains Before You Sign

Loan comparison sites show you rates. They don't always explain what you're actually agreeing to. Here's what to look for beyond the number.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide

What Borrowing $10,000 for College Actually Means After You Graduate

Ten thousand dollars sounds manageable now. Here's what it actually costs you over time — and how to think about it before you sign.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide