Student Loans
Paying for school doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide covers everything you need to know about student loans. For students at any stage, from undergraduate and graduate to career training, we’ll help you find the right college school loan.
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2026 student loan changes
Several major federal student loan changes take effect July 1, 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Here's what borrowers should know:
Grad PLUS loans eliminated
- New borrowers can no longer take out Grad PLUS program loans after July 1, 2026. Existing borrowers in qualifying programs may still access them under transitional rules.
Repayment plans consolidated
- Most income-driven plans (SAVE, PAYE, ICR) are being phased out for new borrowers and replaced by two options: a Standard Repayment plan and the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).
New federal borrowing caps
- A $257,500 lifetime aggregate limit now applies to new federal student loan borrowers across undergraduate and graduate study.
Forgiven debt may be taxable
- Student loan forgiveness amounts may be treated as taxable income under updated federal rules.
Are student loans going to be forgiven in 2026?
No broad cancellation is in effect, but existing loan forgiveness programs remain available. Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness from the federal government remain tax-free under current IRS guidance. Balances forgiven under most income-driven repayment plans starting in 2026 will be treated as taxable income.
Take Out Student Loans
Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate student, or preparing for career training, we'll help you understand every step of the student loan process. Discover how federal and private loans work, how much you can borrow, and what to expect from different lenders before committing.
Start with the FAFSA to access federal aid before exploring private options. When federal funds fall short, LendEDU evaluates private lenders on rates, repayment flexibility, and borrower protections to help you find the best student loans for college.
FAFSA Guidance for Student Loans
FAFSA FAQ About Student Loans
Financial Aid Resources for Student Loans
Federal Loans and Private Student Loans
Federal student loans come from the US Department of Education and offer fixed interest rates, flexible repayment options, and access to programs like income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness. Most undergraduate education loans don't require a credit check, which makes federal aid the right starting point for most students.
Private student loans come from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary based on your credit history and the financial institution you choose, with both fixed and variable rates available. Private loans can fill the gap when federal aid won't cover higher education costs, but they typically come with fewer borrower protections.
Federal Student Loans Guidance
How Private Student Loans Work
Private Student Loan Lender Reviews
LendEDU's top-rated student loan lenders:
Other lenders:
Types of Private Student Loans
- Based on financial profile
- Based on institution
- Based on immigration status
- For non-traditional applicants
- Career training schools
- For parents
- For graduate students
- For health
Scholarships
LendEDU reviewed 725 data points from 25 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each.
Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page.
Best Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
Here's a quick look at our top-rated student loan lenders. The tables below show key details for each, including fixed and variable APR ranges, minimum credit score requirements, and loan amounts, so you can compare offers side by side before applying.
Best Overall
Fixed APR
4.13% – 17.99%
Variable APR
4.13% – 17.99%
Funding
$1K – total costs
Min. Credit Score
Mid-650s
Best for Fast Cosigner Release
Fixed APR
4.13% – 17.99%
Variable APR
4.13% – 17.99%
Funding
$1K – total costs
Min. Credit Score
Mid-650s
Best for Outcomes-Based Loans
Fixed APR
3.39% – 14.46%
Variable APR
4.70% – 14.26%
Funding
$2K – $200K
Min. Credit Score
None
Repay Your Student Loans
Federal borrowers have several paths forward, including income-driven plans, standard repayment, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying public service workers. Starting in 2026, new federal borrowers will choose between the Standard Repayment Plan and the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Private loan repayment is set by your lender and rarely includes income-driven options.
Learn about repayment plans, forgiveness options, solutions for delinquent and defaulted student loans, and strategies to stay on track with repayment and get out of debt faster.
Plan Your Student Loan Payoff Strategy
- How to Manage Your Student Loan Debt
- How to Pay Off $100K in Student Loans in 6 Steps
- How Long Will It Take to Pay Off Student Loans? Timelines for $10K – $200K
- How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 12 Strategies to Become Debt-Free Sooner
- How to Calculate Your Minimum Student Loan Payment
- Can You Make Principal-Only Payments on Student Loans?
- What "Do Not Advance Due Date" Means for Student Loan Repayment
- Student Loan Payments Too High? 7 Strategies to Lower or Pause Them
- Can You Pay Student Loans Off Early? What to Know Before You Decide
- 10 Reasons Your Student Loan Payment Increased (and What to Do About It)
- Student Loan Repayment Plan Denied? What to Know
Navigating Student Loan Repayment Options and Plans
Delinquency and Default Consequences for Student Loans
Refinance Your Student Loans
Refinancing replaces one or more existing student loans with a new private loan, usually to secure a lower interest rate or roll multiple monthly payment obligations into one. Federal borrowers should carefully weigh giving up income-driven repayment eligibility and other federal protections before making the switch.
Looking to save on interest or simplify your payments? Refinancing could be the solution. Learn how refinancing works, when it makes sense, and which lenders offer the most competitive rates.
How Student Loan Refinance Works
Student Loan Lender Reviews
Student Loan Lender Roundups and Comparisons
Refinance Options Based on Your Student Loan Type
LendEDU reviewed 696 data points from 24 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each.
Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page.
Best Student Loans Lenders We Recommend for Refinancing
Below are our top-rated lenders for student loan refinancing. Compare fixed and variable APR ranges, repayment term lengths in years, and minimum refinance amounts to find the lender that matches your balance and payoff timeline.
Best for Comparing Refinance Options
Fixed APR
3.99% – 11.09%
Variable APR
4.31% – 12.05%
Terms (Yrs.)
Varies
Refinance Amounts
Varies
Best Direct Refinancing Lender
Fixed APR
4.49% – 9.99%
Variable APR
5.99% – 9.99%
Terms (Yrs.)
5 – 20
Refinance Amounts
$5K+
Best for Customer Service
Fixed APR
4.88%+
Variable APR
4.86%+
Terms (Yrs.)
5 – 20
Refinance Amounts
$10K+
Best for Defaulted Private Loans
Fixed APR
1.0% – 6.0%
Variable APR
N/A
Terms (Yrs.)
3 – 20
Refinance Amounts
$5K – $250K