Department of Education
Federal Student Loans: A Guide to Borrowing Limits and Rules
The federal government sets limits on how much money students and parents can borrow for college. These borrowing caps shape how millions of Americans pay for…
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are loans that the Department of Education makes to students and parents to pay for college and career school. Congress sets the borrowing rules, and the department works with private servicing companies that collect payments. Borrowers apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and other federal benefits, such as education benefits for veterans, can reduce how much they need to borrow.
People usually bring questions about how to apply, how much a student can borrow, and how interest works. They also ask how to choose or change a repayment plan, how consolidation works, what happens in default, and how garnishment, tax deductions, and cancellation programs apply.
10articles
October 5last updated
An independent team explaining how government works
GovFacts is a nonpartisan site that makes government concepts, policies and programs easier to understand and use.
Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Latest in Federal Student Loans
Department of Education
How Student Loan Wage Garnishment Works
For millions of Americans with federal student loans, falling behind on payments isn't just about damaged credit scores or collection calls. The U.S. government wields power…
Veterans Benefits
A Guide to Veteran Education Benefits
This guide will help you understand and navigate the various education benefits available to veterans and their families.
Department of Education
Options for Getting Out of Student Loan Default
This article explores the primary options available to US borrowers who have defaulted on their federal student loans, including the Fresh Start program, student loan rehabilitation,…
All Articles on Federal Student Loans
Student Loan Consolidation: Free Federal Program Pros & Cons
A Direct Consolidation Loan is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Education that lets you combine one or more of your eligible…
Form 1098-E: Claim Up to $2,500 Student Loan Tax Deduction
Form 1098-E can help you unlock potential tax savings if you've made payments on qualified student loans. This guide explains what this form is…
Student Loan Cancellation: Your Options
The burden of student loan debt in the United States can be a significant financial challenge, making it harder to achieve financial goals such…
How to Change Your Student Loan Repayment Plan
Student loan debt impacts millions of Americans' financial lives. While borrowers select a repayment plan when entering repayment, changing circumstances often require adjusting these…
Applying for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA starts federal student aid applications. Eligibility, deadlines, required family information and school calculations shape the aid offer.
What the U.S. Department of Education Does
Core functions include administering funding, shaping education policy, enforcing civil rights laws in schools, and supporting research and data collection.