Learn the difference between these two types of student loans. Federal student loans are given by the federal government and are available to any student who files the FAFSA. They have the same interest rate for every student and offer various income-based repayment plans. Private loans come from banks, credit unions, and state-based lenders. They require a credit check, offer an interest rate based on credit score, and have stricter repayment terms. For more information, read our blog post, Private Student Loans vs. Federal Student Loans: What's the Difference?

Students often wonder if they can get a college loan without their parents on the loan application. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains how by filing the FAFSA, students are eligible for Federal Direct Student Loans without any co-borrowers. Private loan approval is dependent on income and credit score, so students often need the assistance of a co-borrower for these loans.

There's a lot to consider when borrowing a loan to pay for college. This webinar help you differentiate among college loan options and better understand the true cost of borrowing.

MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning and Content Creation Jonathan Hughes explains where to find a student loan to pay for college, how you can determine how much to borrow, and what to consider when selecting the loan.

If you’ve seen the terms subsidized and unsubsidized on your financial aid offers from colleges, you may be wondering what the difference is between these types of student loans. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains what these loans have in common, as well as how they differ when it comes to accruing interest.

Transferring colleges can affect your student loans. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains why it's important to contact your student loan lender and notify them that you are transferring colleges and how to make sure your loans do not enter repayment when you transfer schools.

MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning and Content Creation Jonathan Hughes explains how to apply for a MEFA Loan, what options are available, and when repayment begins.

If you're considering borrowing a loan to pay for college, make sure to look at any additional fees you may be charged. One common fee is the origination fee, a one-time fee charged to the borrower for the cost of processing the loan.

If you're considering borrowing a loan to pay for college, make sure you understand your repayment term, the length of time that you have to repay a loan. Repayment terms vary, and most repayment terms cannot be extended.