What is a student loan and how does it work?

At a glance

• A federal student loan, both subsidized and unsubsidized, is money available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or eligible noncitizens to help pay for college tuition, fees, books and living expenses.
• Unlike grants or scholarships, student loans generally require loan payment plans that include interest.
• Federal student loans generally offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private student loans.
• University of Phoenix is committed to encouraging responsible borrowing. Learn more about loan repayment and available resources!

If you’re planning to attend college, you might be considering student loans to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other expenses. But what exactly is a student loan, and how do loan payments work? Here, we’ll take a closer look at this common way to pay for school.

What is a student loan?

A student loan is a type of financial aid available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or eligible noncitizens that is designed to help pay for education expenses. This includes books, tuition, fees, and room and board.

The federal government or private lenders can issue student loans, which typically have to be paid back with interest over a certain period of time.

Types of student loans

There are two main types of student loans: federal student loans and private student loans.

Federal student loans

Federal student loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education and have fixed interest rates, flexible repayment options and various forgiveness programs. Federal student loans are typically more affordable than private student loans.

Some common federal student loans are:

• Direct Subsidized Loans
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Direct PLUS Loans

Each type has its own eligibility requirements, interest rates and repayment terms. Income and credit history can factor into the types of loans and interest rates available to a borrower. You can learn more about federal loans by visiting the Federal Student Aid website.

Private student loans

Some students might explore private student loans to cover the cost of their education. Banks and credit unions primarily offer private student loans. These loans typically have higher interest rates than federal student loans, and repayment terms may be less flexible.

How does a student loan work?

When borrowers take out a student loan, they’re borrowing money to pay for their education. The loan amount is based on factors such as financial need, cost of attendance, half-time or full-time enrollment, the degree being pursued and more. The total cost of the loan is typically paid back through monthly payments over a period of years, with interest. Here is a brief overview of how student loans work:

Loan application process

To apply for a federal student loan, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®). This form determines your eligibility for federal student loans, grants and work-study programs.

Private lenders may have their own application process, which typically involves a check of your credit history and may require a co-signer.

Interest rates

For federal student loans, a borrower’s interest rate depends on the loan type, when it was disbursed and the borrower type (undergraduate, graduate or professional).

For example, the interest rate for an undergraduate Direct Subsidized Loan is 4.99% and for a professional Direct PLUS loan is 7.54%. These rates are for loans issued between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

Private lenders may offer fixed or variable interest rates, which can change over time. Private loans are credit-based, which means that a borrower’s credit score, income and financial need can play a role in the available interest rates. 

Repayment plans

Borrowers will start repaying federal student loans after they graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. They receive a repayment plan schedule from their loan servicer that outlines their monthly payments under the standard repayment plan, the due date, the grace period and the length of the repayment period.

Several types of repayment plans are available, including:

• Standard repayment: Fixed monthly payments over 10 years.
• Graduated repayment: Loan payments start low and increase every two years over 10 to 30 years.
• Extended repayment: Stretches payments out over a period of up to 25 years.
• Income-driven repayment: Based on income and family size, with forgiveness after 20 to 25 years.

Student loan debt forgiveness and cancellation

Loan forgiveness is a program where federal student loan borrowers can have some or all of their student loan debt forgiven. Private student loans usually don’t have loan forgiveness options.

Federal student loans offer various student loan debt forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers, which require meeting specific criteria like working in a particular profession or making a certain number of payments.

How to apply for student loans

Before you apply for student loans, you should explore other types of financial aid that don’t need to be repaid, including grants and scholarships. If you still need financial assistance after exploring these options, then you might decide to apply for a student loan.

Here are the steps to take:

1. Fill out the FAFSA

The first step in applying for any type of financial aid, including federal student loans, is to fill out the FAFSA. You can also use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to calculate which types of federal aid you may be eligible for.

2. Compare your loan options

After receiving your financial aid award letter, you’ll see the types of loans you’re eligible for. Make sure to compare the interest rates, fees and repayment terms of each loan before making a decision. You can also use loan calculators to estimate your monthly payments and total repayment amount.

3. Complete the loan application

After deciding on a loan, you’ll need to complete the loan application. This will include providing personal and financial information, as well as information about your school and program of study. You may also need to provide documentation such as tax returns or proof of enrollment.

4. Sign the promissory note

After your loan application is approved, you’ll sign a promissory note. This legal document outlines the terms and conditions of your loan, including the interest rate, repayment schedule and any fees or penalties. You may also need to complete entrance counseling, which will introduce you to many of the terms in the promissory note. Make sure to read this document carefully and ask any questions before signing.

5. Receive your funds

Finally, your loan funds will be disbursed to your school. For most student loans, you receive at least two disbursements throughout the year. Keep track of how much you’re borrowing and how much you’ll need to repay so that you can make informed decisions about your finances.

Bottom line

There are many ways to pay for college. Taking out a student loan is a serious financial commitment, and you should only borrow what you need and can afford to repay. Always read the fine print and ask questions before you sign on the dotted line. As mentioned, always explore other types of financial aid that don’t need to be repaid, including grants and scholarships. That way, you reduce the amount you’ll need to repay after you graduate.