About our partner:
Sallie Mae's 1-2-3 Approach to Paying for College

With Sallie Mae's 1-2-3 Approach to Paying for College, we encourage students and families to tap the most affordable education funds first and minimize education loan debt upon graduation.

  • Step 1.

    Use Free Money First. Students should fill out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships. Students should consider supplementing grants and scholarships with current income and college savings.

  • Step 2.

    Explore Federal Loans. Available to both students and parents regardless of need, federal loans offer low, fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options.

  • Step 3.

    Fill Any Gap with Private Student Loans. After students have pursued free money and federal loans, private student loans may be available to cover the rest of their education costs.

iStudentLoan Private Student Loans

Federal loan consolidation vs. private student loan consolidation:

Federal student loans can not be consolidation with private college loans, they must be consolidate separately. When consolidating private loans, it must be done through a bank or a private lender. For Federal consolidation, visit the Department of Education's official website at for direct consolidation loans. For private student loan consolidation options, consider consolidating private loan balances and finding private consolidation solutions at Student Loans ScholarPoint.

Help finance the high costs of college tuition and the other costs associated with attending college not covered by federal loans and other aid! Review Private student loans. Below we have listed another new partner providing a new type of alternative student loan:

Smart Option Student Loan®


Private Student Loans can help with all your education-related expenses such as tuition, a new computer, books and school related living expenses. Applying is quick and easy. Apply with a cosigner. This may improve your chances to qualify for the loan and may help you receive a lower interest rate.

It is of the utmost importance that student realizes the private loans must be repaid. There will be a detailed student loan repayment plan for you provided by the bank or lender you select.


If you still need more funding for college and college expenses, we ask you to consider our partnerships with the following Lenders:

See the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan®.