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When it comes to interest rates and student loans, most people know one thing: a lower interest rate is better than a higher interest rate. For the upcoming school year, the good news is that student loans are being offered at near historically low interest rates, so there are many good deals to be had.

However, it’s probably no surprise that there’s more to an interest rate than meets the eye. Digging into the fine print can reveal ways to pay off your loan faster — or expose landmines that could end up costing you more money.

If you're considering off-campus housing, you're probably wondering how paying for off-campus housing differs from paying for dorms.

Here's what you need to know before you sign off on the rental agreement. 

If you're figuring out your funding plan for the 2020-21 school year, we have some good news: Record-low interest rates mean there are plenty of great options for both student and parent education loans. 

However, it's important to know that rates and terms vary widely between student and parent options. In general, cosigning a private student loan for your child is going to provide the best opportunity for the lowest-possible interest rates and most generous loan terms. 

What’s the easiest way to get approved for a private student loan? Apply with a cosigner. 

Why? Because most college students don't have an adequate credit history to qualify on their own. In fact, 92% of private student loans are cosigned (according to figures from the MeasureOne Private Student Loan Report, Dec. 2019). 

With only a week to go before the traditional May 1st National College Decision Day, you may find yourself second-guessing your school choice — or possibly your decision to attend college in the fall at all. Nothing is normal during a pandemic. 

How can you navigate one of the biggest decisions of your life when it’s impossible to know what life will look several months from now? Here are five things to think about. 

What’s the secret formula to helping students avoid being crushed by student loan debt after graduation? Ken Ruggiero, the CEO of Ascent Student Loans, thinks he and his team of data scientists may have discovered a solution—and it’s probably not what you think it is.

Here’s the very short answer in two parts:

1. If you need a private student loan without a cosigner, but lack sufficient credit history and income, Ascent has an option based on your future earnings potential, and
2. If your lender doesn’t pony up all the money that you ask for, that might be a tremendous gift.