Student Loans Articles & Tips

The ROI of Higher Ed: Why Over 53% of Grads Say Their Student Loans Were Worth the Cost

A college degree can come with real financial pressure, but the data and the experiences of graduates themselves point to a more grounded and hopeful reality.

Should You Refinance Your Student Loans During COVID-19?

Jul. 28, 2026

3 min read

Should You Refinance Your Student Loans During COVID-19?

Low interest rates could mean that now is a good time to refinance your student debt, but it depends on your circumstances. Is refinancing the savings solution you’re looking for?

How to Financially Prepare for the New School Year

Jul. 26, 2026

7 min read

How to Financially Prepare for the New School Year

A practical guide to building a realistic budget, covering the costs your aid doesn't reach, saving money day to day, and setting up your loans and credit for the school year ahead.

How to Consolidate Multiple Student Loans into One Simple Loan

Jul. 26, 2026

8 min read

How to Consolidate Multiple Student Loans into One Simple Loan

Learn how combining several student loans into one payment works, when a federal Direct Consolidation Loan beats private refinancing, and how 2026's new repayment rules change the decision.

Credible vs. Splash Financial vs. Earnest: Which Lender Is Right for You?

Jul. 26, 2026

7 min read

Credible vs. Splash Financial vs. Earnest: Which Lender Is Right for You?

Credible, Splash Financial, and Earnest all refinance student loans at similar rates, so the right choice usually comes down to business model, approval odds, and fit. This guide compares the three so you can pick with confidence.

The Hidden Nearly $700-a-Month Cost of College

Jul. 20, 2026

8 min read

The Hidden Nearly $700-a-Month Cost of College

Most parents plan for the major college milestones they can see on paper. But it's the invisible, day-to-day living expenses that frequently catch freshman families off guard.

Senior Year College Expenses: Why the Final Bill Climbs–and How to Cover the Gap

Jul. 03, 2026

Senior Year College Expenses: Why the Final Bill Climbs–and How to Cover the Gap

Senior year costs often rise just as financial aid shrinks, leaving many families with an unexpected gap to close. Filing FAFSA every year, applying for scholarships, and treating private loans as a short-term bridge rather than a long-term solution are the smartest ways to get to graduation.

The $20,000 Shortfall: How Families Bridge the Gap Between Federal Aid and College Costs

Jun. 11, 2026

The $20,000 Shortfall: How Families Bridge the Gap Between Federal Aid and College Costs

For many families, federal student loans only cover part of the cost of college, leaving a funding gap of $60,000 to $80,000 over four years at a public university. The good news is that you have options: appealing your financial aid package, pursuing scholarships, and weighing Parent PLUS loans against private student loans can help bridge the difference.

6 Million Gen X Borrowers Still Owe Student Loans: Should You Refinance Near Retirement?

May. 28, 2026

6 Million Gen X Borrowers Still Owe Student Loans: Should You Refinance Near Retirement?

Nearly 6 million Gen X borrowers are still carrying student loan debt, with an average balance of $48,203. At a 6% interest rate on a 10-year term, that works out to roughly $535 a month—well into what should be peak retirement-saving years.

Why 1 in 3 Borrowers Without a Degree Fall Behind on Student Loans — And How to Catch Up

May. 28, 2026

Why 1 in 3 Borrowers Without a Degree Fall Behind on Student Loans — And How to Catch Up

Nearly 1 in 3 student loan borrowers without a degree are behind on payments, with default, wage garnishment, and credit damage all at risk. Federal options like income-driven repayment can help, but acting before the 270-day mark is critical.

How to Send Your Kid to College Without Breaking the Bank

May. 26, 2026

How to Send Your Kid to College Without Breaking the Bank

You want to help your kids through college, but what’s the most ideal way? You could give them money, or co-sign on a student loan. Or just offer advice on how to pay for college.

Nearly 9 Million Borrowers Are in Student Loan Default—Here’s How to Get Back on Track

Apr. 30, 2026

Nearly 9 Million Borrowers Are in Student Loan Default—Here’s How to Get Back on Track

Falling behind on your student loans can happen faster than you think. After 270 days without a payment, federal loans can slip into default, putting your wages, credit score, and entire balance at risk. The good news is that you're not alone, and there are clear ways to recover.

Should I Get a Personal Loan or Student Loan Refinance?

Feb. 02, 2026

Should I Get a Personal Loan or Student Loan Refinance?

Anyone who’s been to college knows It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. Whether it’s applying to more than one school, being open to multiple career paths after graduation, or looking at several homes before buying—almost everyone taps into their backup plan at least once in life.

Jan. 12, 2026

Shed your student loan debt in 5 steps

Earning your college degree is key to your future career stability and satisfaction. More career paths require advanced education and that means a college degree is critical to your success in today's workforce.

A Guide to Income-Driven Repayment Plans for Your Student Loans

Nov. 19, 2024

A Guide to Income-Driven Repayment Plans for Your Student Loans

For all the news about spiralling student debt, it’s important to remember that student loans are virtually never set in stone.

The Fed wants to raise interest rates—here’s what you should do while they’re still low

Sep. 16, 2024

The Fed wants to raise interest rates—here’s what you should do while they’re still low

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has highlighted the possibility of raising interest rates to control inflation as soon as March 2022.

Should You Choose State or Private Student Loan Refinance?

Aug. 01, 2023

Should You Choose State or Private Student Loan Refinance?

Student debt is becoming one of the big issues of this presidential election season, and with good reason. According to the latest figures, Americans hold a combined $1.6 trillion in student debt. That’s double the amount of debt from 9 years ago, and more than 3 times the debt from 13 years ago, when federal authorities began keeping records.

Feb. 08, 2023

When to Refinance Student Loans?

If you are one of the millions of Americans beleaguered by student loan debt, and are unhappy with your current terms, or struggling with repayments, you might want to consider refinancing your student loan. By sticking with the same lender and repayment terms, you could be losing thousands of dollars unnecessarily.

Jan. 26, 2023

Refinancing or Consolidation?

Do you have hefty student loans that you’re still working on repaying? Are you wondering if there’s a smarter way you could be repaying them, either through refinancing or consolidation?

These Simple Steps Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score

Nov. 22, 2021