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The average borrower takes around 20 years to pay off student loan debt. So when you commit to a private lender, you’re entering a relationship that can span decades. Consider these seven factors to help you find the best private student loan to fit your needs.

Each year, billions of dollars in federal financial aid are left unclaimed by American families who don’t fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Don’t miss out on valuable financial aid dollars just because you’re not sure where to start. Regardless of your income level, completing the FAFSA® is one of the best things you can do to help your child with the college application process. Here’s how to do it as a parent.

To avoid too much student loan debt, it’s important to shop around for loans with lower interest rates. Federal student loans offer fixed interest rates, which are the same for every borrower for the life of the loan. Private student loan interest rates, on the other hand, are based on the borrower’s credit score. Whether you’re a cosigner, a parent, or a student looking for a private student loan, these 13 tips will help.

For many college students, there’s a gap between how much a degree costs and what they can afford. Once you’ve maxed out your other financial aid, you may need to explore different types of student loans. The lingo around loan applications, interest rates, credit scores, and repayment plans can be confusing –– but applying for a student loan is easier than you think.

Financial planning and literacy are important skills for any adult to have in their toolkit – yet they’re ones that aren’t always taught in American schools. Personal finance can be complicated. Before your child goes away to school, here are some ways to equip them for financial success.

The more tuition costs rise, the more necessary it becomes to start saving for college as early as possible. Opening a 529 college savings plan can be a great way to afford a degree while minimizing student loan debt. If you want to help your child pursue a college degree and avoid student loans, explore the pros and cons of opening a 529 college savings plan.

Paying for college is a complex puzzle for most families. Regardless of your personal finances, a creative approach can help lower costly tuition bills. Chances are you’ve considered federal student aid and private loans – but did you know you could tap into your home equity via a HELOC to fund your child’s education? When it comes to HELOCs vs student loans, there are some distinct differences and disadvantages. Let’s explore.

If you’ve been granted a federal work-study award, your part-time employment could earn you more than just a few extra dollars. For some college students, a part-time job can actually improve focus, lead to higher grades, and teach valuable life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. These opportunities are vast — but they can be competitive. Don’t sleep on your federal work-study award. Check out these popular work-study jobs and start the application process today.

Due to the rising costs of higher education, more and more Americans are turning to student loans. But for most families, it’s personal. You want your child to pursue their education. So how do you help? While most student loans are taken out by the student, parents can borrow on their child’s behalf. If you’d like to alleviate your child’s loan debt by taking on some yourself, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the U.S. Department of Education’s parent PLUS Loan.

If your child hopes to pursue higher education, it’s time to have a serious conversation about financial planning. Even if they’re not a junior or senior in high school, today is a great day to start thinking about the future. While loans can be a helpful way to pay your child’s college tuition today, they can take decades to pay off. And student loan forgiveness is still in its infancy. The best way to set you and your child up for future financial success? Help them graduate from college debt-free.