Washington Student Loan & Scholarship Information
The coast, the mountains – if you choose to go to school in Washington, you’ll have access to the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. First, though, you might want to take some time to research Washington scholarships and college grants, as well as student loans and student loan forgiveness programs. Here’s a guide to all the different options to help pay for school in Washington state.
Average Student Loan Debt in Washington
Students and parents probably want to know what the average Washington student loan debt is. According to a 2023 report, 47% of Washington college attendees have student loan debt, with an average balance of $23,993.
47%
of Washington college
attendees have
student loan debt.
SoFi offers simple student loans that work for you.
Washington Student Loans
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program. If you take out a federal loan, the DOE is your lender. All federal student loans have fixed interest rates — which are generally lower than private loans’ — and carry fees between 1.057% and 4.228% that are deducted from the loan amount before disbursement.
To see which type of loans you may qualify for, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to apply for financial aid for college or grad school. Be aware of your state’s deadline as well as the federal FAFSA deadline.
You should also review the deadlines for each college to which you are applying, as one college may define their deadline as the date you submit your FAFSA form, while another considers it to be the date on which your FAFSA is actually processed. FAFSA will then offer you a financial aid package, dependent on your college, that may include grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loan options. It is important to note that not every student will qualify to receive federal aid.
Recommended: FAFSA Guide
Direct Subsidized Loans: These are for eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and they help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. The federal government pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while a student is in school at least half-time. Interest starts accruing on these loans after a six-month grace period once students graduate or if they drop below half-time enrollment.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may qualify for these loans. Eligibility is not based on financial need. The interest on these loans begins accruing immediately after funds are disbursed (meaning paid out).
Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are for parents of dependent undergraduate students who need help paying for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility for this loan is not based on financial need, but it does require a credit check.
PLUS loans for graduate and professional students are being phased out. Only borrowers who already received these loans before June 30, 2026, can continue to borrow under their current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.
Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans
Private Student Loans
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. A key point to note: Private lenders follow a different set of regulations than federal loans, so their interest rates can vary widely. What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed.
Private lenders may require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school. On the other hand, you don’t have to start paying back federal student loans until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Unlike federal loans which can only be applied for within certain deadlines (once a year, and states have their own deadlines), private loans can be applied for on an as-needed basis. Even if you suspect you may need to take out a private loan, it’s still a smart move to submit your FAFSA before applying. That way, you can see what federal aid you may qualify for first.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline and you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your education payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Scholarships & Grants
Who doesn’t love a gift? You may sometimes hear grants and scholarships referred to as gift aid. That’s because while grants or scholarships may have certain academic or other requirements to keep them, you usually don’t have to pay them back as you would with a loan. Whether you call that a gift, a windfall, or free money, it’s a huge help when it comes time to pay for higher education.
There are a few instances where you may have to pay back grant money, but typically only if certain requirements aren’t met. Generally, grants are need-based (meaning they are distributed due to your financial need), while scholarships are awarded based on merit (such as academic, athletic, or artistic achievement).
There is no one-size-fits-all grant or scholarship amount or requirements, and both scholarships and grants can come from a variety of entities (including private organizations and federal or state governments).
Some scholarships or grants can be for a small amount that may help you pay for your books or research supplies, but others can cover the entire cost of your education. That means tuition, room and board, and the extras. Which is a very good thing. Who knew parking passes could be so expensive?
Washington Scholarships & Grants
If you’re attending school in the great state of Washington, there are plenty of scholarships and grants that can help you fully or partially fund your education. Check out these options.
Washington College Grant
This is a need-based financial aid program that assists resident students pursuing a postsecondary education. Recipients must attend one of Washington’s eligible two- and four-year public or private institutions or technical schools to qualify. Award amounts vary based on the type of school and other factors.
Passport to Careers
This program assists with the costs of attending college and is designed for former foster children and those who are homeless in Washington. Through Passport to College, eligible students get a scholarship that covers tuition, books, housing, fees, transportation, and even some personal expenses and also provides support services from college staff.
American Indian Endowed Scholarship
Recipients of this renewable scholarship must be Washington residents and have close social and cultural ties to an American Indian tribe or community within Washington, and they must attend a public or independent college in the state. Academic achievements and the financial need of applicants are also considered when allocating this scholarship. Upper-division and graduate students will receive funding priority. Award amounts range from $500 to $2,000.
Baccalaureate Washington State Opportunity
Eligible students may receive up to $22,500 if they are pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), or health care majors at eligible public or private colleges or universities in the state. Students must be Washington state residents to apply.
Career and Technical Scholarship
Students at one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges may apply for this scholarship, which helps eligible students who are Washington residents pursue a career path in high-demand trade, health care, and STEM occupations. Award amounts go as high as $1,500 each quarter while enrolled in the program.
Get low-rate in-school loans that work for you.
Washington Student Loan Repayment & Forgiveness Programs
If you’ve taken out student loans to attend a school in Washington, it is never too early to start thinking about your repayment plan. And guess what? You have a few repayment options at your disposal.
Under the 2025 domestic policy bill, the standard student loan repayment term is between 10 and 25 years, based on the loan amount. Federal student loan interest rates vary based on what year you receive the loan.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the federal student loan interest rate is 6.39% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduates, 7.94% for Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate and professional students, and 8.94% for Direct PLUS loans for parents and graduate or professional students.
For private loans, terms and conditions such as interest rates are set by the lender and vary due to many factors. Federal student loans typically offer the lowest interest rates and more flexible repayment options as compared to private student loans.
10-30
Years
New federal student loan repayment terms,
depending on the loan amount,
beginning July 2026.
Federal Student Loan Repayment Options
The U.S. domestic policy bill that was passed in July 2025 eliminates a number of federal repayment plans. Because current borrowers may remain in the plans, we are including them here. But for borrowers taking out their first loans on or after July 1, 2026, there will be only two repayment options: The Standard and an income-driven plan. You can learn more about your repayment options for federal student loans here.
Standard Repayment Plan
This plan will continue to be available in a modified form. Most borrowers were eligible for the original plan, which had a 10-year repayment period. Borrowers often paid less over time than with other plans because the loan term was shorter. (Typically, less interest accrues over shorter loan terms than longer ones if payments are made in full and on-time.) For loans taken out on or after July 1, 2026, the repayment term will range from 10 to 25 years based on the loan amount.
Repayment Assistance Program
This new program is similar to previous income-driven plans, which tied payments to income levels and household size. Payments range from 1% to 10% of adjusted gross income over a term up to 30 years. At that point, any remaining debt will be forgiven. If your monthly payment doesn’t cover the interest owed, the interest will be cancelled.
Graduated Repayment Plan
This plan will be closed to new loans made on or after July 1, 2026. Most borrowers were eligible for this plan, which allowed them to pay their loans off over 10 years. Payments started relatively low, then increased over time (usually every two years). Current borrowers in this plan will continue to make payments according to the plan’s graduated structure.
Extended Repayment Plan
This plan will be closed to new loans made on or after July 1, 2026. To qualify for this plan, you must have had more than $30,000 in outstanding Direct or FFEL loans. Monthly payments on the Extended Repayment Plan were typically lower than under the 10-year Standard Plan or the Graduated Repayment Plan, because borrowers had a longer period to pay them off (and therefore made more interest payments). Current borrowers in this plan will continue to make payments according to the plan’s extended term.
Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
This plan is scheduled to be eliminated by June 30, 2028. Most student borrowers were eligible for this plan. The SAVE Plan lowered payments for almost all borrowers compared to other income-driven plans because payments were based on a smaller portion of your adjusted gross income (AGI). In addition, any remaining balance would be forgiven after 20 years. Current borrowers in this plan may transition into the new Standard Repayment Plan or Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) beginning July 1, 2026.
Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
IBR is available to anyone currently in an income-driven plan that’s scheduled to close. It was designed for borrowers who have a high debt relative to their income. Monthly payments were never higher than the 10-year Standard Plan amount. Generally, however, borrowers paid more over time than under the Standard Plan.
Still not sure which payment plan is right for you?
For more information on repayment plans, check out our Student Loan Repayment Options article to help add some clarity.
Granted, it’s not always easy to pay loans back on time. When it comes to student loan default, 10% to 20% of student loans are typically in default. To help you avoid being among those who default on your student loans, let’s take a look at refinancing options.
Student Loan Refinancing
One option to potentially help accelerate student loan repayment is to refinance your student loans with a private lender. Some private lenders, like SoFi, will let you consolidate and refinance both your federal and private student loans into one loan and a single interest rate. It’s a great way to streamline your bill paying and financial life in general.
Consolidating your loans (aka combining them) under one lender gives you the opportunity to refinance your loan and get a new term and interest rate. If you have an improved financial profile compared to when you took out your original loan, you may be able to lower your interest rate when you refinance, or shorten your term to pay off your loan more quickly.
But it is important to remember that if you refinance federal student loans with a private lender, you will lose access to federal programs such as the income-driven repayment plans mentioned above, as well as student loan forgiveness and forbearance options.
Student Loan Forgiveness
At first glance, student loan forgiveness looks appealing, but it is not easily attainable. That being said, there are state-specific and federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs that certain student loan borrowers may be eligible for.
Before you review your options, it’s important to know that the terms forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge essentially mean the same thing when it comes to federal student loans, but are applied in different scenarios. For example, if you are no longer required to make loan payments due to your job, that could fall under forgiveness or cancellation.
Or, if the school you received your loans at closed before you graduated, this situation would generally be called a discharge.
Even if you don’t complete your education, can’t find a job, or are unhappy with the quality of your education, you must repay your loans. But there are circumstances that may lead to federal student loans being forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Here are some of those options:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The PSLF Program may forgive the remaining balance on eligible Direct Loans, after 120 qualified monthly payments are made under a repayment plan (and working with a qualifying employer).
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Those who teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on select federal loans.
Perkins Loan Cancellation
Cancellation for this specific loan is based on eligible employment or volunteer service and length of service, among other factors.
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge
Qualification may relieve eligible borrowers from repaying a qualifying Direct Loan, a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan, and/or a Federal Perkins Loan or a TEACH Grant service obligation.
Death Discharge
Due to the death of the borrower or of the student on whose behalf a PLUS loan was taken out, federal student loans may be discharged.
Bankruptcy Discharge
Certain eligible borrowers may have federal student loans discharged if they file a separate action during bankruptcy, known as an “adversary proceeding.”
Closed School Discharge
Borrowers who were unable to complete an academic program because their school closed might be eligible for a discharge of Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, or Federal Perkins Loans.
Washington Specific Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Federal loan forgiveness programs are a logical place to start, but it can be smart to also consider other student loan forgiveness programs. There are forgiveness programs tailored to loan borrowers who live in certain locations, or have an in-demand and service-based vocation.
Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
This loan repayment program, through the Washington Health Corps, is for licensed health professionals who provide primary care at approved sites for a set amount of time in rural or underserved areas. Loan repayment options are available to eligible providers such as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and others.
SoFi Private Student Loans
In the spirit of transparency, we want you to know that you should exhaust all of your federal grant and loan options before you consider a SoFi private student loan.
We believe that it is in each student’s best interest to look at federal financing options first in order to find the right financial aid package for them.
If you do decide a private student loan is the right fit for your educational needs, we’re happy to help! SoFi’s private student loan application process is easy and fast. We offer flexible payment options and terms, and there are no origination or late fees.
Read more
New Hampshire Student Loan & Scholarship Information
Many students dream of heading east for college. If you are one of them, you might consider the White Mountain State. New Hampshire, with its mountains, forests, and coastal views, is home to many good colleges. To help afford your education, learn about the scholarships, grants, and student loan forgiveness options in New Hampshire.
Average Student Loan Debt in New Hampshire
As you’re thinking about New Hampshire for college, it’s smart to learn about the state’s average student loan debt. According to a 2023 report, 70% of New Hampshire college attendees have student loan debt, with an average balance of $39,928.
70%
of New Hampshire college
attendees have
student loan debt.
SoFi offers simple student loans that work for you.
New Hampshire Student Loans
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program. If you take out a federal loan, the DOE is your lender. All federal student loans have fixed interest rates — which are generally lower than private loans’ — and carry fees between 1.057% and 4.228% that are deducted from the loan amount before disbursement.
To see which type of loans you may qualify for, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to apply for financial aid for college or grad school. Be aware of your state’s deadline as well as the federal FAFSA deadline.
You should also review the deadlines for each college to which you are applying, as one college may define their deadline as the date you submit your FAFSA form, while another considers it to be the date on which your FAFSA is actually processed. FAFSA will then offer you a financial aid package, dependent on your college, that may include grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loan options. It is important to note that not every student will qualify to receive federal aid.
Recommended: FAFSA Guide
Direct Subsidized Loans: These are for eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and they help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. The federal government pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while a student is in school at least half-time. Interest starts accruing on these loans after a six-month grace period once students graduate or if they drop below half-time enrollment.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may qualify for these loans. Eligibility is not based on financial need. The interest on these loans begins accruing immediately after funds are disbursed (meaning paid out).
Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are for parents of dependent undergraduate students who need help paying for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility for this loan is not based on financial need, but it does require a credit check.
PLUS loans for graduate and professional students are being phased out. Only borrowers who already received these loans before June 30, 2026, can continue to borrow under their current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.
Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans
Private Student Loans
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. A key point to note: Private lenders follow a different set of regulations than federal loans, so their interest rates can vary widely. What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed.
Private lenders may require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school. On the other hand, you don’t have to start paying back federal student loans until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Unlike federal loans which can only be applied for within certain deadlines (once a year, and states have their own deadlines), private loans can be applied for on an as-needed basis. Even if you suspect you may need to take out a private loan, it’s still a smart move to submit your FAFSA before applying. That way, you can see what federal aid you may qualify for first.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline and you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your education payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Scholarships & Grants
Who doesn’t love a gift? You may sometimes hear grants and scholarships referred to as gift aid. That’s because while grants or scholarships may have certain academic or other requirements to keep them, you usually don’t have to pay them back as you would with a loan. Whether you call that a gift, a windfall, or free money, it’s a huge help when it comes time to pay for higher education.
There are a few instances where you may have to pay back grant money, but typically only if certain requirements aren’t met. Generally, grants are need-based (meaning they are distributed due to your financial need), while scholarships are awarded based on merit (such as academic, athletic, or artistic achievement).
There is no one-size-fits-all grant or scholarship amount or requirements, and both scholarships and grants can come from a variety of entities (including private organizations and federal or state governments).
Some scholarships or grants can be for a small amount that may help you pay for your books or research supplies, but others can cover the entire cost of your education. That means tuition, room and board, and the extras. Which is a very good thing. Who knew parking passes could be so expensive?
New Hampshire Scholarships & Grants
If you are looking for scholarships for New Hampshire students, look no further. Here is a list of scholarship opportunities in the state that could help you pay for college.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers a variety of scholarship opportunities and is the largest provider of publicly available scholarships in New Hampshire. They award more than $8 million to more than 1,800 promising students each year. Applicants fill out one application and are matched with all scholarship opportunities for which they qualify.
Raymond K. Conley Memorial Scholarship
Students pursuing a career in physical or mental rehabilitation may want to apply for this $500 scholarship from the New Hampshire American Legion. They must have been a resident of New Hampshire for at least three years in order to qualify and be able to prove acceptance to a four-year college or two-year vocational school.
Presidential Scholarship
If you attend the University of New Hampshire you can apply for this merit-based renewable scholarship that awards $5,000 annually to eligible first-year New Hampshire residents, and $9,000 annually to eligible non-residents.
Dean’s Scholarship
First-year applicants at the University of New Hampshire may be eligible for this renewable merit-based scholarship that awards $3,000 to qualifying New Hampshire residents and $7,000 to qualifying non-residents.
ACEC-NH Scholarship Program
This is a scholarship program from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Hampshire for children of employees of member firms who plan to pursue an education in engineering, geology or a related program. Eligible students must be New Hampshire residents, and if selected, they can use the $2,000 award at any four-year college or graduate school of their choosing.
New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers (NHSPE) State Scholarship Program
Scholarships through the NHSPE State Scholarship program are designed for eligible engineering students in order to encourage career development at the state level in the disciplines of general civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Applicants must be residents of New Hampshire. The awards, which are based on financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement, have a minimum value of $1,000.
Get low-rate in-school loans that work for you.
New Hampshire Student Loan Repayment & Forgiveness Programs
If you’ve taken out student loans to attend a school in New Hampshire, it is never too early to start thinking about your repayment plan. And guess what? You have a few repayment options at your disposal.
Under the 2025 domestic policy bill, the standard student loan repayment term is between 10 and 25 years, based on the loan amount. Federal student loan interest rates vary based on what year you receive the loan.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the federal student loan interest rate is 6.39% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduates, 7.94% for Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate and professional students, and 8.94% for Direct PLUS loans for parents and graduate or professional students.
For private loans, terms and conditions such as interest rates are set by the lender and vary due to many factors. Federal student loans typically offer the lowest interest rates and more flexible repayment options as compared to private student loans.
10-30
Years
New federal student loan repayment terms,
depending on the loan amount,
beginning July 2026.
Federal Student Loan Repayment Options
The U.S. domestic policy bill that was passed in July 2025 eliminates a number of federal repayment plans. Because current borrowers may remain in the plans, we are including them here. But for borrowers taking out their first loans on or after July 1, 2026, there will be only two repayment options: The Standard and an income-driven plan. You can learn more about your repayment options for federal student loans here.
Standard Repayment Plan
This plan will continue to be available in a modified form. Most borrowers were eligible for the original plan, which had a 10-year repayment period. Borrowers often paid less over time than with other plans because the loan term was shorter. (Typically, less interest accrues over shorter loan terms than longer ones if payments are made in full and on-time.) For loans taken out on or after July 1, 2026, the repayment term will range from 10 to 25 years based on the loan amount.
Repayment Assistance Program
This new program is similar to previous income-driven plans, which tied payments to income levels and household size. Payments range from 1% to 10% of adjusted gross income over a term up to 30 years. At that point, any remaining debt will be forgiven. If your monthly payment doesn’t cover the interest owed, the interest will be cancelled.
Graduated Repayment Plan
This plan will be closed to new loans made on or after July 1, 2026. Most borrowers were eligible for this plan, which allowed them to pay their loans off over 10 years. Payments started relatively low, then increased over time (usually every two years). Current borrowers in this plan will continue to make payments according to the plan’s graduated structure.
Extended Repayment Plan
This plan will be closed to new loans made on or after July 1, 2026. To qualify for this plan, you must have had more than $30,000 in outstanding Direct or FFEL loans. Monthly payments on the Extended Repayment Plan were typically lower than under the 10-year Standard Plan or the Graduated Repayment Plan, because borrowers had a longer period to pay them off (and therefore made more interest payments). Current borrowers in this plan will continue to make payments according to the plan’s extended term.
Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
This plan is scheduled to be eliminated by June 30, 2028. Most student borrowers were eligible for this plan. The SAVE Plan lowered payments for almost all borrowers compared to other income-driven plans because payments were based on a smaller portion of your adjusted gross income (AGI). In addition, any remaining balance would be forgiven after 20 years. Current borrowers in this plan may transition into the new Standard Repayment Plan or Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) beginning July 1, 2026.
Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
IBR is available to anyone currently in an income-driven plan that’s scheduled to close. It was designed for borrowers who have a high debt relative to their income. Monthly payments were never higher than the 10-year Standard Plan amount. Generally, however, borrowers paid more over time than under the Standard Plan.
Still not sure which payment plan is right for you?
For more information on repayment plans, check out our Student Loan Repayment Options article to help add some clarity.
Granted, it’s not always easy to pay loans back on time. When it comes to student loan default, 10% to 20% of student loans are typically in default. To help you avoid being among those who default on your student loans, let’s take a look at refinancing options.
Student Loan Refinancing
One option to potentially help accelerate student loan repayment is to refinance your student loans with a private lender. Some private lenders, like SoFi, will let you consolidate and refinance both your federal and private student loans into one loan and a single interest rate. It’s a great way to streamline your bill paying and financial life in general.
Consolidating your loans (aka combining them) under one lender gives you the opportunity to refinance your loan and get a new term and interest rate. If you have an improved financial profile compared to when you took out your original loan, you may be able to lower your interest rate when you refinance, or shorten your term to pay off your loan more quickly.
But it is important to remember that if you refinance federal student loans with a private lender, you will lose access to federal programs such as the income-driven repayment plans mentioned above, as well as student loan forgiveness and forbearance options.
Student Loan Forgiveness
At first glance, student loan forgiveness looks appealing, but it is not easily attainable. That being said, there are state-specific and federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs that certain student loan borrowers may be eligible for.
Before you review your options, it’s important to know that the terms forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge essentially mean the same thing when it comes to federal student loans, but are applied in different scenarios. For example, if you are no longer required to make loan payments due to your job, that could fall under forgiveness or cancellation.
Or, if the school you received your loans at closed before you graduated, this situation would generally be called a discharge.
Even if you don’t complete your education, can’t find a job, or are unhappy with the quality of your education, you must repay your loans. But there are circumstances that may lead to federal student loans being forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Here are some of those options:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The PSLF Program may forgive the remaining balance on eligible Direct Loans, after 120 qualified monthly payments are made under a repayment plan (and working with a qualifying employer).
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Those who teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on select federal loans.
Perkins Loan Cancellation
Cancellation for this specific loan is based on eligible employment or volunteer service and length of service, among other factors.
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge
Qualification may relieve eligible borrowers from repaying a qualifying Direct Loan, a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan, and/or a Federal Perkins Loan or a TEACH Grant service obligation.
Death Discharge
Due to the death of the borrower or of the student on whose behalf a PLUS loan was taken out, federal student loans may be discharged.
Bankruptcy Discharge
Certain eligible borrowers may have federal student loans discharged if they file a separate action during bankruptcy, known as an “adversary proceeding.”
Closed School Discharge
Borrowers who were unable to complete an academic program because their school closed might be eligible for a discharge of Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, or Federal Perkins Loans.
New Hampshire Specific Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Federal loan forgiveness programs are a logical place to start, but it can be smart to also consider other student loan forgiveness programs. There are forgiveness programs tailored to loan borrowers who live in certain locations, or have an in-demand and service-based vocation.
Law School Loan Repayment Assistance Program
Eligible attorneys with outstanding law school loans may apply for this forgiveness program. They must practice at NH Legal Assistance, 603 Legal Aid, or the Disabilities Rights Center (DRC) to qualify. Recipients may receive a maximum amount of $8,000 annually.
New Hampshire State Loan Repayment Program
This repayment program provides money to eligible health care professionals who work in areas of New Hampshire that are determined to be medically underserved. Recipients must commit to work for a minimum of three years (or two years if part-time) in those areas in order to receive funding. Award amounts vary based on the type of healthcare provider and length of service.
SoFi Private Student Loans
In the spirit of transparency, we want you to know that you should exhaust all of your federal grant and loan options before you consider a SoFi private student loan.
We believe that it is in each student’s best interest to look at federal financing options first in order to find the right financial aid package for them.
If you do decide a private student loan is the right fit for your educational needs, we’re happy to help! SoFi’s private student loan application process is easy and fast. We offer flexible payment options and terms, and there are no origination or late fees.
Read more
College Planning Guide for Parents
College Planning Guide for Parents
of High School Students
Need help with the college planning process?
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help parents through every step of the college planning process. From starting the college conversation to visiting campuses, our tools and resources will help answer questions you may have about helping your child get a college education.
For starters, you might want to check out our College Planning Checklist that outlines some initial steps before you hop into the rest of our guide. If your children are years away from applying to college, start planning early with our tips for How to Set Up a College Fund.
Figuring Out How to Pay for College
If you’re already looking at colleges for your child, you might think it’s too late to start thinking about saving. However, there are a number of things you can do to shore up your finances while your child is still in high school.
Choosing a School and Major
Your child might need some help when it comes to figuring out which school or program will work best for their goals and your family’s financial situation. Learn more about how to help them make the right choice.
Helping Your Child With Tests and Applications
The college application process can be overwhelming. Below are some resources to help your child
get ready for tests and apply (and hopefully get accepted!) to the perfect school.
Financial Aid 101
Learn more about the financial aid options available for your child — including both federal and private student loans.
Questions about paying for college? Speak with a specialist.
Know your options and break down your financial aid package with someone who gets it.
Schedule a call today — there’s no cost or commitment, just solid advice.
Student Loan Information
Thinking about using student loans to help afford your child’s tuition? Read the articles below to get more information on different types of student loans that may work for your family.
What you need to know about student loans, grants, and scholarships.
Depending on where your school is, you have different options when it comes to getting the money you need to pay for school. Here are some resources to help.
Select your state to get started:
Move-In Day and Beyond
Even after you’ve said your goodbyes, your child may need a bit of help getting adjusted. Here are some ways you can continue to support your child during their first weeks of school.
Frequently asked questions
Fast and Easy Private Student Loans
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
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College Planning Guide for High School Students
College Planning Guide for High School Students
Ready for the Next Chapter
“Thank you!” That’s what your future self will likely say for taking the time to learn about applying to college now. After all, the process — researching schools, submitting applications, figuring out how to pay for school — is hardly quick and simple.
In fact,“Project: Get Into College” may come to feel like a part-time job at times. Even reading this guide, which lays out some of the basics of what you’ll need to know and do, may seem overwhelming. That’s why you’ll probably want to break down the process into manageable chunks, including reading this guide. Our recommendation: skim it first, bookmark it, and then come back as questions come up.
If you’re prepping for college with a little help from Mom and Dad, ask them to check out our College Planning Guide for Parents!
Basic Prep for Juniors and Seniors
Check out some helpful tips for getting the most out of high school and making smart choices — before you even start applying to colleges.
What to Know When You’re Applying
Where should you go to college, and how many schools should you apply to? We’ll answer these questions and more. You can first start by taking our Quiz: What College Should I Go to?
We’re here to help.
If you have questions about SoFi’s Private Student Loans, call us at 855-456-SOFI (7634) Mon.–Thu. 5am–7pm PT, and Fri.–Sun. 5am–5pm PT. Our agents can answer your questions and walk you through the process.
Figuring Out How to Pay for College
If college is in your future, you’ll need to take a good look at your finances. These resources will help you get a better understanding of how you’ll pay for college, starting with the basics.
What you need to know about student loans, grants, and scholarships.
Depending on where your school is, you have different options when it comes to getting the money you need to pay for school. Here are some resources to help.
Select your state to get started:
Filling Out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students must complete to apply for federal financial aid for college, including grants, work-study, and loans. Learn everything you need to know about the FAFSA, including what it stands for and when you need to fill it out.
Making Your College Decision
A lot goes into making your choice on a school. These articles can help you navigate the next steps once your applications are sent and your offer letters start rolling in.
Get Started With a Private Student Loan
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
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Buyer’s Market? Depends on Where You Look
While homeownership still feels out of reach for many of us, the market is starting to get more buyer-friendly. Mortgage rates are still high, but dampened demand means there are finally more sellers than buyers. And that’s keeping a lid on property prices.
The thing is, that’s the national trend. When you look closer, it’s not the same around the country.
Take this stat: Nationally, 20.7% of home listings had a price drop in June — the most for any June since at least 2016, according to Realtor.com. But in the Northeast, just 13% of listing prices fell, and in the Western and Southern U.S., it was 23%.
Why is it so uneven? Because even though the low mortgage rates of the pandemic buying boom are long gone, the housing market is still recovering from a depleted inventory of homes for sale. Depending on where you live, things have bounced back a lot faster.
More homes on the market typically equals lower prices. And we see that in the West. There are already more listings in the West than before the pandemic, and the median price there was 0.8% lower in June than a year earlier, according to Realtor.com.
Meanwhile, the inventory of homes for sale in the Northeast has yet to recover — as of May, it was still down 51.4% from pre-pandemic norms — and the median list price in June was 1.8% higher than a year earlier.
A few other useful figures from June:
• The national median list price was $440,950, up just 0.2% from last year.
• Median list prices fell 0.9% in the Midwest and were unchanged in the South.
• When looking at price per square foot, the Northeast saw a 4% gain, the Midwest, a 1.3% increase, and the West, a 0.4% uptick. Only the South saw a decline.
• Price changes varied by major metro areas, too: For example, while prices in Baltimore rose 7%, they were down 6.3% in Cincinnati and 4.7% in Miami.
So what? It’s expensive to buy a home right now, but the housing market is shifting. If you’re an aspiring buyer, it’s turning in your favor — in some regions more quickly than others. Regardless of where you live, here are some tips to get the best deals:
Keep browsing. Keep a close eye on list prices. Scroll Zillow or Realtor.com like it’s your job, and you might identify trends before the data even comes out.
And don’t just look at city-wide data — get down to zip codes. Explore price trends by neighborhood and see how long homes are sitting on the market. Even in the Northeast or Midwest, you might find pockets where sellers are more motivated.
Cast a wider net. Moving isn’t feasible for everyone, but buyers who are able to relocate to less competitive markets stand to gain. In the West and South, homes are staying on the market for about a week longer than they were a year ago. That gives buyers more leverage to negotiate.
Ask for other concessions: If you find your dream home and can’t get anywhere on price, consider asking the seller to cover closing costs, pay for repairs, or even pay for you to have a lower mortgage rate. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Once a seller has received an offer, they may be willing to make other concessions in order to close the deal.
If you are selling, be realistic about the price. Asking for too much can backfire. If your listing gets “stale” by sitting on the market for too long, it can be a red flag for buyers. Keep an eye on how the market’s doing in your area using local comps.
Related Reading
The Housing Markets Where Homes Are Selling Below the Asking Price (Realtor.com)
When Are Home Prices Going to Fall — and How Far? (Bankrate)
Mortgage Rates Might Not Go Down. What Now? (SoFi)
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The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.
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