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'Pay As You Earn': What students need to know

Federal loans will be cheaper for some borrowers and those who consolidate certain loans.
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Recent student loan stories

Who applies for student loan: you or your kid?
Student loans are in flux. Get a rundown of the changes before deciding who signs for the debt.
Is widow on hook for student loan?
If you die, your spouse might be liable for your student loan. It depends on the lender.
Student loans becoming scarce
Congress cut student loans as it raised the debt ceiling. Expect less aid in the future.
7 tips on how to refinance a student loan
If you're interested in a student loan refinance, here are seven tips to consider.
Should a HELOC cover your college costs?
Thinking about using a home equity loan to cover your college costs? Consider the pros and cons.
College loan consolidation 101
Drowning in student loans? Here are seven things to learn about pursuing a college loan consolidation.
7 surprising ways to cut student debt
Minimize the financial strains of college by taking these steps before debt comes due.
Pay off student loan or invest money?
If you're a conservative investor, it likely makes more sense to pay off your college loan.
Parent on the hook for son's student loan
You co-signed a college loan. If your kid doesn't pay, you're next in line for collection.
FAQs on student loan consolidation
Is student loan consolidation a wise choice for you? It could be. Check out our FAQ about consolidating.
Repaying your student loans
After graduating, you must pay the piper for the loans that put you through school. You have options.
Start saving early for college
College costs are increasing. Start saving early in your child's life.
Don't delay your student loan applications
Get your FAFSA forms in. It's late in the year to request aid for the coming school year.
4 tips to navigate private student loans
Exhaust other avenues first. Private loans should be your college financing of last resort.
3 tips to limit student debt
Follow these rules to ensure the loan you take out now isn't a burden after graduation.
Student loan nightmare may be fraud
If you're slapped with unexplained college loan fees, call the federal fraud hotline.
Little room to haggle on student debt
Trying to get a student loan discharged? You may face a three-pronged eligibility test.
More small banks offer private student loans now
As big banks pull out of the student loan market, community banks step in. Know the pros and cons.
Federal student loans and grants
Uncle Sam offers a number of programs to help pay for higher education, from Pell Grants to Perkins Loans.
Student loan cancellation programs in jeopardy
College grads expecting canceled debt may face big student loans instead. These are their options.
Department of Education buys student loans
If you've gotten a letter about your student loan, here's what you need to know.
What to do when you can't pay student loans
If making student loan payments is tough, you can set up a new payment plan, among other options.
Doing the student loan shuffle
The credit crunch has extended to student loans, leaving many wondering how they'll get funds.
Shopping for a student loan
When you search multiple loan options, you could be damaging your credit report. Here's the best way to shop
No rush to consolidate student loans this year
Forget the usual scramble to consolidate student loans by July 1. This year, rates are expected to drop.
Use home equity to pay off student loan debt
A home equity loan typically offers better terms than a student loan, says the College Money Guru.
Getting student loans after bankruptcy
When you file for bankruptcy, you're still eligible for government student loans, but not for private loans, says the Bankruptcy Adviser.
Student loan forgiveness: Rare, but possible
Student loan repayment is right behind death and taxes in terms of unavoidability, but there are loopholes.
College Financing Basics, Ch. 5: Paying off student loans
The date you graduate sets the date you'll have to start paying back that money. This chapter teaches you how.
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Student Loan Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
Stafford Loan Rate-in school 6.80%
6.80%
Stafford Loan Rate-after school 6.80%
6.80%
Plus Loan Rate 8.50%
8.50%
30K FICO-based Home Equity Loan 6.43%
6.28%
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ByJoseph Hurley
College Money Guru»
Steve R. Bucci (debt)college
Transferring a grandparent's 529 plan to the parents can help them in several ways. Find out how.
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