Skip to Main Content

Student Loans

Get tips and advice on student loans and colleges and compare private student loan lenders.

Helpful links

An illustration of four rolls of twenty dollar bills with graduation caps on
Make sure to choose the right type of student loan for your needs.
A Black woman studying at a table with an illustrated light green background
Paying for college is a challenge for many students, but student loans can help.
FAFSA spelled out in Scrabble blocks
Here’s how to be prepared when it comes time to fill out your FAFSA form.

Reviews & tools

SoFi logo
4.7
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Bankrate Score
Read review
Sallie Mae logo
4.3
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Bankrate Score
Read review

Experts in all things finance

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
Andrew Pentis headshot

Andrew Pentis Arrow Right Icon

Writer and Consumer Lending Analyst

Denny Ceizyk headshot

Denny Ceizyk Arrow Right Icon

Senior Loans Writer

Lauren Nowacki headshot

Lauren Nowacki Arrow Right Icon

Senior Loans Writer

The latest

Mom and college graduate smile at graduation
The ICR plan could be a lifeline for parents struggling with student loan payments.
Three colleagues sitting and working together around a laptop.
When comparing college costs, don’t stop at the published tuition and fees.
design image of a student graduate and a sticky note saying "student loan"
Improving college completion could reduce default rates, Mark Kantrowitz argues.
Four college students sitting on outside stairs comparing notes and talking with a yellow illustrated border around them
Before you apply for federal student loans, make sure you understand your options.
Man at home reading a letter he got in his mail at the kitchen – lifestyle concepts
Having trouble making payments? Student loan deferment may be worth pursuing.
Two men sit with paperwork at a table
Get the latest updates on student loan forgiveness, including changes under the Trump administrations.
Treasury Department Headquarters
Now is a great time to assess whether you could be paying less.
An illustration of four rolls of twenty dollar bills with graduation caps on
Make sure to choose the right type of student loan for your needs.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc