Student Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly student loan payments

Get tips and advice on student loans and colleges, and compare private student loan lenders.
Estimate your monthly student loan payments
Get answers to FAQs about consolidating student loans
Find out how to save more money for college
The information and paperwork you need to apply will vary by lender, but generally you'll need to include the following:
Treat your student loan like any other financial transaction — shop around for the best deal before making your decision.
You can use Bankrate's student loan marketplace to compare interest rates and repayment terms from many of the country's top lenders. Explore your options by checking out at least two or three potential lenders.
Talk it over with your family and guidance counselor. If you have friends already in college, ask them for recommendations on getting a student loan. Find an online forum and see what your peers are saying.
When you're ready, you can apply for your student loan online — quicker and easier than you might think — and get the money you need for college.
Student loans come in two types: federal student loans and private student loans.
Private student loans come from private lenders. This includes banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Federal student loans instead come from the federal government.
Borrowers must qualify for private student loans. When you apply, private lenders will examine your financial history and credit score. If you don't have an established credit history, you may not find the best loan.
Before you consider a private student loan, research available grants and scholarships. It's usually free to apply, and you won't have to repay any funds you receive.
Next, consider a federal student loan. Federal student loans come with fixed rates and income-driven repayment plans. Loans are designed especially for undergraduate students, graduate students, or parents. Once you've exhausted those options, private student loans can help fill any gaps.
Use Bankrate's student loan marketplace to examine many of the country's top lenders. Compare interest rates and payment terms to find the best loan for you.
When you apply for a student loan, you'll come across industry-specific terms that may not be familiar. These terms can directly affect the terms of your loan, so be prepared:
Is student loan consolidation a wise choice for you? It could be. Check out our FAQ about consolidating.
If you’ve defaulted on your student loans, the IRS may withhold your tax refund.
Banks have moved away from the student loan market. Find out why.
Student loans have a positive role to play in building good credit.
College debt has become a $1.4 trillion burden, one that calls for tough choices.
Judges could erase the debt of thousands of borrowers in default. Here’s why.
Get a crash course in the types, tax benefits and technicalities of 529 plans.
Start budgeting and saving to repay student loans so you won’t be in debt for years.
Harvard at No. 1 is not a shocker, but a few other schools might surprise.
These places offer tax advantages, but they may not be right for your family.