Student Loan Center

Navigate the complex world of student loans with our comprehensive guides covering federal programs, private loans, forgiveness options, and strategic repayment planning.

$1.7T

Total U.S. Student Debt

43.4M

Borrowers Nationwide

$37,574

Average Balance

5.8%

Current Federal Rate

Federal Student Loans

Government-backed loans with fixed rates, flexible repayment options, and multiple forgiveness programs.

  • Income-driven repayment plans available
  • Deferment and forbearance options
  • Multiple forgiveness programs
  • No credit check for most loans
Federal Loan Guide →

Private Student Loans

Loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders with variable rates and limited flexibility.

  • Variable or fixed interest rates
  • Credit-based approval and rates
  • Limited hardship options
  • No federal forgiveness programs
Private Loan Guide →

Federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans

SAVE Plan

Newest income-driven plan with lowest payments

  • •5% discretionary income
  • •$0 payments possible
  • •Interest subsidy

PAYE

Pay As You Earn for newer borrowers

  • •10% discretionary income
  • •20-year forgiveness
  • •Partial financial hardship required

IBR

Income-Based Repayment

  • •10-15% discretionary income
  • •20-25 year forgiveness
  • •Available to most borrowers

ICR

Income-Contingent Repayment

  • •20% discretionary income
  • •25-year forgiveness
  • •Parent PLUS eligible

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Complete forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments while working for eligible employers

10 years

Requirements:

  • Work full-time for qualifying employer
  • Make 120 qualifying payments
  • Have Direct Loans
  • Be on qualifying repayment plan

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Up to $17,500 forgiveness for teachers in low-income schools

5 years

Requirements:

  • Teach 5 complete years
  • At Title I school
  • Highly qualified teacher
  • Direct or FFEL loans

Income-Driven Repayment Forgiveness

Remaining balance forgiven after 20-25 years of payments

20-25 years

Requirements:

  • Make all required payments
  • Annual recertification
  • Stay on IDR plan
  • Tax liability on forgiven amount

Student Loan Tools & Calculators

Payment Calculator

Compare payment amounts across different repayment plans

PSLF Tracker

Track your progress toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Refinance Calculator

See if refinancing could save you money

Need Personalized Student Loan Guidance?

Our AI advisor can analyze your specific student loan situation and recommend the optimal repayment strategy based on your career, income, and goals.

Get Your Student Loan Analysis