Student loans, made clear

Everything you need to navigate student loans

Sticky-note answers to the questions students and parents ask most about private student loans.

  • max out federal aid options first
  • cosigners help get much lower rates
  • borrow only what you need

Federal student aid rules changed on July 1, 2026

See how the changes may affect new loans, and where private loans fit in.

See What’s New

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Guides and Tools for College Students

A quick look

Compare lenders at a glance

Lender APR range Repayment lengths Check rates
College Ave Fixed APR 3.49% - 12.99%2 Variable APR 1.19% - 11.98%2 Repayment length 5 to 15-year terms available View Rates (opens in a new tab) On College Ave’s Website
Sallie Mae Fixed APR 3.69% - 15.49%1 Variable APR 5.54% - 15.70%1 Repayment length 5 to 15-year terms available View Rates (opens in a new tab) On Sallie Mae’s Website
SoFi Fixed APR 4.49% - 13.98% Variable APR 4.99% - 13.13% Repayment length 5 to 15 years View Rates (opens in a new tab) On SoFi’s Website

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Articles & guides

Blog

Student Loan Forbearance vs. Deferment

Introduction: Understanding your federal loan payment pause options When facing financial challenges, pausing your federal student loan payments can provide essential breathing room. The…

Nov 13, 2025

Student Loan Reviews

Capable Private Student Loan Review

Embarking on the journey of higher education is an exciting endeavor, though it often presents financial hurdles. For many aspiring students, a primary challenge…

Updated Oct 31, 2025

Student Loan Reviews

Abe Private Student Loan Review

You’ve visited colleges, explored majors, and decided where to attend school. The next step is figuring out how to pay for tuition, books, room…

Updated Aug 22, 2024

Ready to see your options?

Review each lender, then follow the links to check your rate and apply.