Student Loans 101
This tutorial explains the various loan options and how to select a lender.
No one wants to borrow their way through the college years. But the reality is that most families can't cover the full expense from cash flow, savings and financial aid. Even when a college meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need, a portion of the aid package probably will be loans rather than grants.
Low-rate loans to help foot the bills are plentiful, and most families have no difficulty finding educational loans to fill the gap, or even qualifying for them. Although you probably won't apply for loans until after your child graduates from high school, you should give them some thought as you're making the final choice of a school, in the spring of your child's senior year.
This planning center will help you understand the terms of the various student loans and select a lender.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
When You're Ready to Apply
Understand the basics of student loans.
Students can tap these federal loans, which offer low rates and flexible repayment terms.
How to Choose a Stafford-Loan Lender
Find a lender who offers lower fees to save money down the road.
Students with high financial need can apply for these loans, with a fixed interest rate.
These loans are made to parents based on creditworthiness, not need.
Private Loans
Tap additional funds if you need to supplement federal loans.
When You're Ready to Apply
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
The $33,000 Retirement: One Man's Surprising Path to Financial Freedom at 61
Forget what society tells you, even with less than $1 million, you can be happy in retirement.
-
The Best Aerospace and Defense ETFs to Buy
The best aerospace and defense ETFs can help investors capitalize on higher government defense spending or hedge against the potential of a large-scale conflict.
-
AI’s Rapid Rise Sparks New Cyber Threats
The Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
Blue Collar Workers Add AI to Their Toolboxes
The Kiplinger Letter AI can’t fix a leak or install lighting, but more and more tradespeople are adopting artificial intelligence for back-office work and other tasks.
-
AI Goes To School
The Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This Year
The Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
-
Will Lower Mortgage Rates Bring Relief to the Housing Market?
The Kiplinger Letter As mortgage rates slowly come down here's what to expect in the housing market over the next year or so.
-
Car Prices Are Finally Coming Down
The Kiplinger Letter For the first time in years, it may be possible to snag a good deal on a new car.
-
New Graduates Navigate a Challenging Labor Market
The Kiplinger Letter Things are getting tough for new graduates. Job offers are drying up and the jobless rate is increasing. Are internships the answer?
-
When's the Best Time to Buy a Domestic Flight? The Kiplinger Letter
The Kiplinger Letter A new study by CheapAir.com has crunched the numbers.