Know your loan type
Learn why loan type matters when comparing repayment options, consolidation, or discharge programs.
Official Loan Simulator ↗Understand the basics
A clearer guide to the student loan process.
Start with core concepts, then use official resources to confirm the rules that apply to your account.
Understand repayment
Review how repayment plans differ and what to verify before changing a plan or submitting an application.
Review repayment paths ↗Prepare your documents
Build a checklist of information you may need. Never send your StudentAid.gov password or one-time security code to us.
Find official forms ↗THE WORKING FILE
Six things worth organizing.
A good next step starts by knowing what you have, what you need to verify, and where the official answer lives.
Loan inventory
List each loan type, outstanding balance, rate, servicer, first-disbursement date, and current status.
Review your official dashboard ↗Repayment comparisons
Compare monthly payment, total cost, interest, term, eligibility, and potential forgiveness timeline—not only the first payment.
Read repayment checkpoints ↗Forgiveness and discharge
PSLF, Total and Permanent Disability discharge, borrower defense, and other programs have different eligibility and evidence rules.
Browse official forms ↗Consolidation tradeoffs
Consolidation can change the loan type, interest treatment, plan eligibility, and payment-credit history. Review what could be lost before applying.
Review official consolidation ↗Interest and statements
Keep statements and confirmation notices. Compare each loan's current balance, rate, accrued interest, and payment due with the latest servicer record.
Estimate a fixed payment ↗Protect your account
Only sign in through verified official pages. Never give a third party your FSA ID password, one-time security code, or full bank credentials.
Go to StudentAid.gov ↗Questions worth checking before you submit
- Which federal loan types appear in your StudentAid.gov account?
- What program or form are you considering, and what are the current eligibility rules?
- Are employer, medical, income, or other certifications required for your specific request?
- Have you saved a copy of documents you submit through the official channel?
Use this website for general education. Official eligibility and account-specific information must be confirmed with Federal Student Aid or your loan servicer.