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

Start early to have your best chance of getting scholarships.
Woman writes a letter at a desk
If your financial situation has changed, you may be able to get more aid.
A focused woman in a yellow shirt examines a bill while working on her laptop, sitting on the floor with various documents around her, in a welcoming living room setup
Many misconceptions about student loans can lead borrowers to make costly mistakes. Here are some of the most common myths. Myth #1: Cutting the interest rate in half cuts the monthly loan payment in half.  [...]
design image of donald trump holding a signed piece of policy
Your loan terms will stay the same if federal student loan management moves to the SBA.
Headshot of Mark Kantrowitz
Mark Kantrowitz, a nationally recognized student financing expert, shares what he’s learned in 30 years observing the industry.
Exterior of the Department of Education in Washington DC.
Congress is considering closing the Direct PLUS Loans program.
Two veterinarians work with small dog
Vet school comes with a hefty price tag, but it could be worth it.
Cheerful young student woman excited with good news, reading paper document at laptop, resting on sofa at home, making winner hand, fist, smiling, celebrating success, laughing
Compare the return on your investments versus your student loan interest rate.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc