Skip to main content
banner image

Parent Handbook: How Student Loans Work

If a student in your life is headed to college, they may be relying on financial aid to cover some or all of the cost of attendance, including federal or private loans. Here's a primer on how these loans work and what you and your student need to know.

See more tips to help families of students in grades 6–12 prepare for success in college and other postsecondary options in the Parent Handbook.

Visit our YouTube page for more videos like this.

Share this article

Sign up for college planning information

Subscribe now


Related Articles

Find this article interesting? Check out the articles below on similar topics.

Know Which Student Loans Are Right for You

Financial aid letters may include more money — through federal loans — than students or families need, and it's not always clear that students and parents don't need to accept the loans or the full amount of all loans.

5 Things Parents Should Know About Financial Aid Offers

Before accepting a college admission, it's important you take a look to ensure the offered financial aid is right for your family's situation. Here are a few things to consider when reviewing your student's aid offer.

Parent Handbook: Types of Student Loans

Before you or your student take out a student loan, you should know the differences between the types of loans available.