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Guides, explainers, and strategies to help you understand student loans and make smarter borrowing decisions.

Loan TypesMarch 25, 2026

Federal vs Private Student Loans: What You Need to Know

Understanding the difference between federal and private student loans is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Here's what matters and why federal loans should usually come first.

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Understanding LoansMarch 20, 2026

How Student Loan Interest Actually Works

Daily simple interest, capitalization, grace periods — student loan interest is more complex than it looks. We break down exactly how interest accrues and what it means for your total cost.

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Financial AidMarch 15, 2026

What Is the Student Aid Index (SAI) and How Does It Affect Your Aid?

The SAI replaced the Expected Family Contribution in 2024. Here's how it's calculated, what it means for Pell Grant eligibility, and how to estimate yours.

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PlanningMarch 10, 2026

5 Ways to Reduce How Much You Borrow in Student Loans

Scholarships, grants, work-study, in-state tuition, and community college transfers — practical strategies to minimize your student debt before it starts.

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More guides coming soon. Have a question about student loans? Let us know and we'll consider covering it.