Industry Insights

What Drives Private Student Loan Pricing and Why It Varies So Widely

Private education loans help fill a gap when other financial aid and federal student loans don't cover cost of attendance.

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Student Loan Comparison Guide: How Federal, State-Based and For-Profit Loans Really Differ

Paying for higher education is a financial decision, and for many families, student loans are a necessary part of the journey. Understanding the differences between the three distinct categories of student loans can help families make more informed and confident decisions.

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File Your Application for College Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, should be completed as soon as possible after it becomes available each fall to ensure the best consideration for available funding. Find out how the FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for funds and how to get started.

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8 Ways to Help Your Student Save for College

Families rely on a variety of sources to pay for a college education, including savings, earnings, scholarships and loans. These tips can help you reduce the amount of future student loans.

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6 Ways to Help Your Student Prepare for College Away from Home

No matter what plans your student has for training or education after high school, many new and exciting experiences await, each requiring planning to be successful.

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Scholarships Are Free Money for College

If your family has a current or future college student, scholarships will help offset the cost of an education. Scholarships are considered "gift aid," meaning they do not need to be repaid later. These tips can help your student find and apply for scholarships.

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Regular, Small Savings Deposits Add Up for College

Many families want to save for their children's education but are uncertain how to start, especially if budgets are tight.

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Five Financial Literacy Tips for Parents

Financial Literacy Month — or another annual occasion of your choosing — is an opportunity for families to review their financial priorities and plans. For parents of K–12 students, this review often includes thinking ahead about education or training after high school and how those possibilities fit within broader family goals.

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3 Reasons to Choose a Career Before Choosing a College

You may think of college as a time for a young adult to live on a campus and explore possible careers right after high school. This traditional concept does not always fit a student's circumstances, however. Focusing on potential careers before deciding on a specific education choice provides several benefits.

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Accepting College Financial Aid

Find out how to compare multiple financial aid offers to make the best decision for your future college student and your family. These tips make sense of the confusion.

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Understanding Total College Cost

With the new school year, you and your middle or high school student might be looking ahead to what happens after high school. Before starting the higher education journey toward a career, your student should understand the complete cost.

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7 Tips for Planning Student Loans

Many families turn to federal loans and private student loans to cover remaining college costs after savings, earnings and other financial aid. But the options for college financing can be confusing. Here are seven tips for finding the right loans for your family.

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Planning for Education After High School

Deciding which postsecondary option is best and planning how to pay for it can be challenging for many families. As with many major decisions in life, planning for the next step can have a large effect on success.

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