I have student loans and need a plan
Servicer changes, the end of SAVE, new repayment rules, default — student loans got complicated fast. These guides walk you through it in order: what you have, who you pay, how to pick a plan you can afford, when to pause, what can still be forgiven, and how to get out of default.
Your reading path
- 1Federal vs. private student loans: why the difference mattersStudent loans aren't all the same. Whether yours come from the federal government or a private lender decides everything from your interest rate to the plans, protections, and forgiveness programs you can use.
- 2How to find your student loan servicer and what you really owePlenty of student loan borrowers aren't sure who handles their loans, especially if there’s been a servicer change.
- 3Life after SAVE: How to choose a repayment plan under the new rulesThe SAVE plan is gone, and federal student loan repayment is different from what it was a year ago.
- 4Deferment vs. forbearance: how to pause student loan payments without making it worseDealing with income trouble? Pausing your student loan payments could be the solution.
- 5Student loan forgiveness programs that still existStudent loan forgiveness isn’t over, but it has evolved considerably. Several federal programs still cancel some or all of what borrowers owe, but most have strict rules when it comes to eligibility.
- 6What happens if you default on a federal student loan?Falling behind on student loans is pretty common, and it doesn't happen overnight.
- 7How to get out of student loan default: rehabilitation vs. consolidationDefault doesn’t have to be a dead end. There are two ways to get federal student loans back in good standing, and both can work on a tight budget.
Related questions
Common questions people ask along this path.
Can I turn a private loan into a federal loan?
No, private loans can't be moved into the federal system. However, federal loans can be refinanced into private ones, which is why it pays to be careful.
Are Parent PLUS loans federal?
Yes, they're federal loans in a parent's name. They have fewer repayment choices than loans taken out by students, though.
Does my cosigner have to pay if I can't?
Yes, a cosigner is equally responsible, and missed payments can hurt their credit too. Some lenders offer cosigner release after a run of on-time payments.
Why did my servicer change?
The Department of Education moves loans between servicers when contracts end, or when companies leave the program. Your loan terms stay the same, but watch for a welcome letter and update any autopay.
Why is my balance higher than what I borrowed?
Usually it’s because of unpaid interest. When payments are paused or too small to cover interest, the balance can grow.
Do I pay the servicer or the Department of Education?
You pay your servicer. They handle payments on the government's behalf.
Does checking StudentAid.gov hurt my credit?
No, looking up your own loans does not affect your credit score.
Can Parent PLUS borrowers use RAP?
No, Parent PLUS loans aren't eligible for RAP, even after consolidation. Most parent borrowers are limited to fixed-payment plans.
Can I switch plans later?
Yes, most of the time. You can usually move to RAP at any time.
Will my payment ever be $0 under RAP?
No, the minimum is $10 a month.
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