Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Marguerita is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor ...

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are often the cheapest borrowing option, followed by Direct Plus Loans and private graduate ...

Students can borrow up to the full cost of attendance for college, but that may require using a combination of loan programs ...

・Grad PLUS loans are ending for new borrowers after June 30, 2026, due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). ・Graduate and professional students will still be able to borrow federal loans through ...

Federal Direct Loans are originated by the federal government and don’t come with credit criteria. Federal student loan rates for the 2025-2026 school year range from 6.39% to 8.94%. Consider maxing ...

Graduate students may apply for Federal Direct Loans by submitting a FAFSA. Legacy borrowers may apply for Federal Direct PLUS Loans. Your financial aid award notification will include details about ...

Here’s what borrowers should know about this critical deadline to consolidate your student loans, who it applies to, and what happens if you miss it.