Last updated on November 1, 2024 by College Financial Aid Advice.
Congress changes the program from time to time. In 2013, the fixed interest rate was changed to a variable interest rate, but it will still be a lower rate than you can get through a regular bank.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interest rates on federal student loans was temporarily reduced to 0% startng in March 13 2020 to December 31, 2022. However, starting in September 2023, federal college loan interest rates, which are fixed and vary by loan, will return to the same rate they were before the freeze.
Direct Consolidation Loans - Federal student loans consolidation help may be obtained from your local college financial aid office, or from the Federal Direct Consolidation Loans Information Center, if you have loans direct from the government.
Outside Lender FFELP Consolidation Loan - If your loans are through an outside lender, contact your bank or FFELP lender to see if you can consolidate your student loans.
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Dependent or Independent Student
Scholarships for 2025 - 2026 - It is never too early or too late to work on your scholarship searches. If you are part of the high school class of 2025, you should work on your scholarship and college search now. See our list of Scholarships for High School Seniors
FAFSA - The official 2024 - 2025 FAFSA is available now. The 2025 - 2026 FAFSA will be available on or before December 1. FAFSA.
Scholarship Lists An overview of the different types of Scholarship Money for College.
Grants Learn more about grants, the other free money for college.
Need Tuition Help? Reduce the cost of tuition with these college Tuition Assistance Programs.
Tax Credit Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
College Savings Plans Save money for college with these College Savings Plans.
Need a Student Loan? Yes, you qualify for these college Student Loans.
Scholarships for High School Students