Student Loans - Compare Costs & Get Free Quotes

Student loans finance higher education through federal programs with fixed rates and income-driven repayment or private lenders offering variable terms. Federal loans provide borrower protections like deferment, forbearance, and potential forgiveness that private loans do not offer. Understanding the full cost of borrowing for your degree program helps you make informed decisions about education investments.

Federal vs. Private Student Loans

Federal Direct loans carry fixed rates set by Congress, currently 6.53% for undergraduates and 8.08% for graduates. Private loan rates range from 4.5% to 16% based on creditworthiness. Federal loans offer income-driven repayment capping payments at 10-20% of discretionary income, plus forgiveness after 20-25 years. Private loans lack these protections but may offer lower rates for excellent credit.

Student Loan Repayment Plans

The Standard Repayment Plan pays off loans in 10 years with fixed payments. Income-Driven Repayment plans adjust monthly payments based on earnings and family size, with remaining balances forgiven after 20-25 years. The SAVE Plan caps payments at 5% of discretionary income for undergraduate loans and prevents negative amortization when payments do not cover interest.

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eliminates remaining federal loan balances after 120 qualifying payments while working for government or nonprofit organizations. Teacher Loan Forgiveness provides up to $17,500 for educators in low-income schools. Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness discharges remaining balances after 20-25 years, though forgiven amounts may be taxable as income.

Average Student Loans Costs by State

Pricing for student loans varies significantly by location. Below you can explore costs in your state or find local providers in your city.

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Frequently Asked Questions