I am deciding whether to borrow
Start with the remaining cost after confirmed grants and scholarships. Then record the amount you would borrow, interest and fees, when interest begins, and repayment obligations. Federal Student Aid explains that the federal-loan application starts with FAFSA, with the school determining the offer. Federal loan overview
Policy matters for the intended borrowing year. The current federal page says graduate/professional students outside a limited exception are not eligible for Direct PLUS borrowing on or after July 1, 2026. Do not rely on an older graduate-loan article promising Grad PLUS to every new applicant. Ask the aid office which rules apply to your program and prior borrowing. Current federal guidance
I am comparing federal and private offers
Compare the full terms, not just an advertised starting rate. For a private offer, ask about fixed versus variable rates, credit approval, cosigner obligations, payment options, and treatment of hardship. The CFPB’s federal/private comparison provides a starting framework.
Suggested comparison sheet: borrower, loan type, approved rate, fees, amount disbursed, payment start, repayment term, protections, and estimated total paid. Keep an advertised rate separate from an approved offer. This hub makes no lender ranking or best-rate claim.
I already have loans and need repayment information
Inventory your loans before applying a guide. Record loan type, balance, servicer, status, and payment due date. Use the current official repayment tool to explore options rather than assuming a plan named in an older article is available to you.
FSA’s August 2026 Repayment Calculator guide recommends signing in so actual loan details can be retrieved and eligible plans displayed. Treat a modeled payment as an estimate and confirm the actual arrangement with the servicer before relying on it.
I am considering consolidation or refinancing
Federal consolidation and private refinancing are different decisions. The CFPB warns that refinancing federal debt into a private loan forfeits federal benefits and protections. A lower payment alone is not proof of a better overall arrangement. Consolidation/refinancing guidance
Illustrative comparison: Offer A has a lower monthly payment but a longer term. Offer B has a higher payment and ends earlier. Ask for the total repayment estimate and protections before treating the first as automatically cheaper. No specific rate or savings result is implied.
I cannot make a payment
Contact the servicer through independently verified contact information and explain the problem before assuming an advertised third party can solve it. The CFPB’s repayment overview distinguishes federal and private options and warns against sharing StudentAid.gov login information.
Suggested questions: What options apply to this exact loan? What documentation is needed? What happens to interest and credit reporting? When does any change become effective? A pending request does not necessarily change the current due date.
