Find the Best Way to Manage Your Student Loans
Americans owe $1.66 trillion in student loan debt. Compare refinancing, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs. Independent guidance with no sales pressure.
4 Ways to Manage Student Loan Debt
Choose the strategy that best fits your loan type, income, and career goals.
Lower your interest rate by refinancing with a private lender. Best for borrowers with good credit and stable income.
Cap payments at 5-10% of discretionary income. Remaining balance forgiven after 20-25 years.
Work for a government or nonprofit for 10 years. Remaining balance forgiven tax-free (PSLF program).
Combine multiple federal loans into one. Simplifies payments and may unlock forgiveness programs.
Student Loan Guides & Resources
Everything you need to understand and manage your student loan debt.
Student Loan FAQ
Should I refinance my student loans?
Refinancing makes sense if you have private loans or federal loans you no longer need forgiveness for, and you can qualify for a lower interest rate. If you have federal loans and may qualify for PSLF or income-driven forgiveness, do NOT refinance — you will lose access to these programs.
What is the difference between student loan consolidation and refinancing?
Federal consolidation combines multiple federal loans into one Direct Consolidation Loan — it does not lower your interest rate. Refinancing replaces your loans with a new private loan at a lower rate, but you lose federal protections like income-driven repayment and forgiveness programs.
Who qualifies for student loan forgiveness?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) requires 10 years of full-time work at a government or qualifying nonprofit while making 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven plan. Teacher Loan Forgiveness requires 5 years teaching at a low-income school. IDR forgiveness forgives remaining balances after 20-25 years of income-driven payments.
What happens if I can’t pay my student loans?
Federal loan borrowers have options: income-driven repayment (payments as low as $0), deferment, or forbearance. Private loan borrowers should contact their lender immediately to discuss hardship programs. Defaulting on federal loans triggers wage garnishment, tax refund seizure, and credit damage.