Federal loans are generally considered more borrower-friendly than private options because they offer fixed interest rates and extensive consumer protections.
: Unlike many private loans, federal loan interest rates are fixed for the life of the loan, meaning your rate won't increase even if market rates go up. Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized : gov student loans
: Most federal undergraduate loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner, making them accessible to students with no credit history. Management & Digital Tools Unsubsidized : : Most federal undergraduate loans do
The Department of Education has modernized the borrower experience by centralizing several features on the StudentAid.gov dashboard: including individual grants and loans.
: This interactive tool allows you to simulate borrowing more money to see how it impacts your future payments, or compare various repayment plans to find one that fits your budget.
Additional StudentAid.gov Website Features Starting April 2020
: Authenticated users can view a comprehensive summary of all Title IV aid received, including individual grants and loans.