Brianna McGurran
Editor
Advisor
Brianna McGurran is the Loans Analyst for Forbes Advisor. Most recently, she was a staff writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet, where she wrote "Ask Brianna," a financial advice column syndicated by the Associated Press. As spokesperson, she also contributed her expertise to outlets including The New York Times, ABC World News Tonight and the Today Show.
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Private Student Loan Rates: October 4, 2021—Loan Rates Move Down
The average interest rate on 10-year fixed-rate private student loans inched down last week. For borrowers pursuing private loans to fill in gaps to pay for higher education expenses, rates remain relatively low for borrowers with solid credit. According to... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: October 4, 2021—Loan Rates Drop
Last week, the average interest rate on refinanced student loans inched down. For many borrowers, that means rates continue to be low enough to make refinancing a winning option for those who can benefit from it. From September 27 to... -
What Is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, is a form every student must fill out in order to get federal financial aid for college. The U.S. Department of Education, which collects and processes your FAFSA, will... -
How To Apply For Financial Aid Using The FAFSA
While the cost of college has risen steadily, there are many federal, state and college-specific financial aid programs that can make higher education more affordable. In order to make yourself eligible for them, you must fill out a Free Application... -
Best Low-Interest Student Loans Of October 2021
The best low-interest student loans are federal subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, which currently carry historically low fixed interest rates and a range of consumer protections. But because there’s a limit to how much you can borrow in federal loans,... -
Best Nursing School Loans Of October 2021
Nursing school students benefit from many of the same types of student loans as other undergraduates. But there are several forgiveness programs specific to nurses that make federal student loans a particularly strong option for nursing students, especially the Public... -
Best Bar Exam Study Loans Of October 2021
Bar exam study loans provide funding for living expenses and bar study classes so law school graduates can focus on passing the bar exam. After passing the bar, they can begin working as practicing lawyers. Bar study loans aren’t the... -
Best Student Loan Refinancing Lenders For Parents Of October 2021
Parents are often excellent candidates for student loan refinancing. Their credit histories and potentially strong incomes make them sought-after applicants among lenders. Some lenders have special programs specifically for parents, while others offer a general refinancing product that parent borrowers... -
Best Student Loans For Bad Credit Of October 2021
If you have poor or fair credit—typically a credit score below 670 using the FICO scoring model—prioritize taking out federal student loans, which don’t require a credit check. They also offer the most flexible repayment terms, including forgiveness if you... -
Best Medical School Loans Of October 2021
Medical students face a set of unique circumstances when financing their education: high medical school costs and periods of comparatively low income during residency, along with potential eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness if they work in nonprofit or... -
Best Student Loans Without A Co-Signer Of October 2021
The best student loan without a co-signer is a federal direct subsidized or unsubsidized student loan. The subsidized version—on which the government pays the interest during certain periods—is available to undergraduates with financial need, while the unsubsidized version is available... -
Best Graduate Student Loans Of October 2021
As a graduate student, you have the option to take out federal direct unsubsidized loans, graduate PLUS loans or private student loans. Federal direct unsubsidized loans generally have both the lowest interest rates and the most flexible repayment options. But... -
Best International Student Loans Of October 2021
International students are typically non-U.S. citizens attending college in the United States for a specific period of time. Most non-U.S. citizens can’t take out federal student loans, though there are some exceptions. That means international students who need additional funding... -
Best Parent Student Loans Of October 2021: Parent PLUS And Private Options
Parents who want to help their children pay for college have both federal and private student loan options to choose from. While comparing your options is always important when picking a student loan, it’s especially crucial as a parent. That’s... -
Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Of October 2021
Student loan refinancing can mean big savings in the right circumstances. Here’s how it works: A new private company—typically a bank, credit union or online lender—pays off the student loans you choose to refinance, and you’ll get a new loan... -
Best Private Student Loans Of October 2021
Private student loans are best used to pay college costs after you’ve borrowed the maximum you qualify for in both subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans. Private student loans come from banks, credit unions and online lenders, and unlike federal... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 27, 2021—Loan Rates Move Down
Last week, the average interest rate on refinanced student loans moved down. Rates remain low enough for many borrowers to justify refinancing their student loans. For borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher who prequalified on Credible.com's student... -
Private Student Loan Rates: September 27, 2021—Loan Rates Increase
Last week, the average interest rate on 10-year fixed-rate private student loans moved up. Even with the increase, these loans may remain affordable for borrowers interested in pursuing private student loans to make up for a gap in college funding.... -
Private Student Loan Rates: September 20, 2021—Loan Rates Edge Down
The average interest rate on 10-year fixed-rate private student loans moved down last week. For borrowers pursuing private loans to fill in gaps to pay for higher education expenses, rates remain relatively low for borrowers with solid credit. The average... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 20, 2021—Loan Rates Drop
Last week, the average interest rate on refinanced student loans fell. Borrowers interested in refinancing their student loans can still get in on relatively low interest rates. The average fixed interest rate on a 10-year refinance loan was 3.49% from... -
Private Student Loan Rates: September 16, 2021—Loan Rates Move Up
Rates on 10-year fixed-rate private student loans jumped up last week. If you're interested in picking up a private student loan, you can still get a relatively low rate. According to Credible.com, from September 6 to September 10, the average... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 13, 2021—Loan Rates Edge Up
The average interest rate on refinanced student loans rose last week. But for many borrowers, rates remain low enough to make refinancing a good option. From September 6 to September 10, the average fixed interest rate on a 10-year refinance... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 7, 2021—Loan Rates Slip
Rates on refinanced student loans moved down last week. If you're interested in refinancing your student loans, you can still get a relatively low rate. According to Credible.com, from August 30 to September 3, the average fixed interest rate on... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 30, 2021—Loan Rates Edge Up
Rates on refinanced student loans jumped up last week. But if you're interested in refinancing your student loans, you can still get a relatively low rate. For borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher who prequalified on Credible.com's... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 23, 2021—Loan Rates Remain Unchanged
The average interest rate on refinanced student loans remained the same last week. For many borrowers, that means rates continue to be low enough to make refinancing a winning option. For borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 16, 2021—Loan Rates Move Up
Last week, the average interest rate on refinanced student loans moved up. Yet, for many borrowers, rates remain low enough to make refinancing a good option. According to Credible.com, from August 9 to August 13, the average fixed interest rate... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: Aug, 9, 2021—Loan Rates Fall
Rates on refinanced student loans dropped last week. This means that if you're interested in refinancing your student loans, you can still get a relatively low rate. From Aug. 2 to Aug. 6, the average fixed interest rate on a... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 2, 2021—Loan Rates Decrease
The average interest rate on refinanced student loans fell last week. For many borrowers, rates remain low enough to make refinancing a good option. For borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher who prequalified on Credible.com's student loan... -
What Is An Income Share Agreement?
As outstanding student loan debt grows—nearly doubling from $896.8 billion in 2011 to $1.73 trillion in 2021, according to the Federal Reserve—students, colleges and lawmakers are searching for alternatives. Income share agreements (ISAs) are one such option: Instead of receiving... -
Can You File Bankruptcy On Student Loans?
It’s possible to discharge student loans through bankruptcy. The most common standard courts use to determine your student loans’ eligibility for discharge is strict; and whether you meet it is subject to the individual bankruptcy court’s judgment. But that doesn’t... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 26, 2021—Loan Rates Jump Up
Rates on student loan refinances jumped up last week. Yet if you're interested in refinancing your student loans, you can still get a relatively low rate. For borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher who prequalified on Credible.com's... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 19, 2021—Loan Rates Slip
The average interest rate on refinanced student loans fell last week. For many borrowers, rates remain low enough to make refinancing a good option. From July 12, 2021, to July 16, 2021, the average fixed interest rate on a 10-year... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 12, 2021—Loan Rates Don’t Move
Last week, the average interest rate on refinanced student loans remained the same. Rates remain low enough for many borrowers to justify refinancing their student loans. The average fixed interest rate on a 10-year refinance loan was 3.65% from July... -
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 8, 2021—Loan Rates Jump Up
The average interest rate on refinanced student loans rose last week. For many borrowers, rates remain low enough to make refinancing a good option. From June 28, 2021, to July 2, 2021, the average fixed interest rate on a 10-year... -
Covid-19 Policies On College Campuses: What To Know For Fall 2021
As the number of new Covid-19 cases drop and vaccination rates climb, colleges are forming policies to help give students a better sense of normalcy for attending campus this fall. But this also poses new and difficult decisions for many... -
How Does Transferring Colleges Affect Student Loans?
Transferring from one college to another isn’t always the most seamless experience. Making sure your new school accepts your credits, adjusting your course load and possibly moving to a new campus can be difficult. How you pay for school is... -
How To Use Extra 529 Plan Money
A 529 college savings plan is an investment account that allows families to save for a child’s education-related expenses tax free. States run these plans, and while you don’t have to use the one your home state offers, you may... -
Best 529 Plans Of 2021
For most parents looking for a way to save for their child’s college education, a 529 college savings plan is a wise choice. That’s because the money you invest in one of these accounts grows tax-free if you use the... -
Here’s What We Know About President Biden’s Free Community College Plan
During President Joe Biden’s first major address to both houses of Congress on Wednesday, he announced details of his American Families Plan, which includes more than $300 billion in funding for higher education. For current and prospective students, his proposal... -
How To Avoid The Most Costly College Savings Mistakes
Leading up to College Decision Day on May 1, high school seniors and others planning to start college this fall are making their final decisions about where to attend. That means comparing financial aid packages they’ve received and understanding just... -
Here’s The Current Status Of President Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plans
Amid continued pressure, President Biden has yet to decide whether to forgive student loans for federal borrowers. But he has asked Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to deliver him a memo about whether the president can legally cancel up to $50,000... -
How To Compare Financial Aid Offers In The Age Of Covid-19
When you receive a financial aid award letter from a college that’s accepted you, excitement can quickly turn to confusion. Colleges typically don’t use a standardized format to present the types and amounts of financial aid that you qualify for.... -
How High School Students Can Maximize Merit-Based College Financial Aid
One of the more mysterious types of financial aid is merit aid, which is scholarship money that colleges provide to incoming students based on their grades, test scores, artistic skill, athletic ability or other achievements. Unlike need-based financial aid, the... -
5 College Application And Enrollment Trends To Watch For In Fall 2021
Nothing about this school year has been normal for college students. Amid cautious campus reopenings, setbacks have arisen. In recent weeks, a college hockey game in Utica, New York, ended mid-period due to a player’s positive Covid-19 test; the University... -
How New Secretary Of Education, Miguel Cardona, Could Impact Higher Education
On March 2, Miguel Cardona, Connecticut’s previous Commissioner of Education, became the Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden. Cardona’s background as a public school teacher, principal and assistant superintendent, plus his doctorate in education and experience as a state... -
Defrauded Students Could See $1 Billion In Student Loan Debt Cancelled
The U.S. Department of Education announced this week it will streamline the process for determining federal student loan forgiveness eligibility for students defrauded by their colleges. The department estimated that about 72,000 borrowers will benefit, and that a total of... -
Student Loan Refinance Calculator: Estimate Your Payments
When you refinance student loans, a lender pays off the loans you’ve chosen to refinance and issues a new loan for their total balance, which comes with a different interest rate and repayment term. The goal of refinancing student loans... -
Student Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Payments
Student loans have become one of the primary ways students and their families pay for college. Nearly two-thirds of graduates from public and private nonprofit colleges in 2018 left school with student loan debt, according to the most recent data... -
What The New Stimulus Package Means For Student Loan Forgiveness
The latest Covid-19 relief bill, which President Joe Biden signed into law today, didn’t include the fixed amount of student loan forgiveness for every borrower that many were hoping for. But it did include a provision that could be a... -
How Much Financial Aid Will I Get?
The amount of college financial aid you’ll get depends on a lot of factors, including your school’s cost of attendance, your (and potentially your parents’) income and assets, your family size and how many of your siblings go to college... -
Federal Vs. Private Student Loans: 8 Differences
There are two main categories of student loans to choose from: federal loans, which are offered by the federal government, and private loans, which are originated by banks, credit unions and online lenders. Federal student loans come with far more... -
Your Guide To Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
For better or worse, getting a student loan is not nearly as difficult as planning to pay one-off. There are a range of ways to pay down federal student loans beyond the standard 10-year plan; if you’re interested in an... -
How Much Should You Save For Your Child’s College Education?
It’s hard to avoid the constant reminders that college in America is outrageously expensive, and that prices have been climbing for years. But don’t lose hope: It is possible to save a meaningful amount for your child’s college education, even... -
Forbes Guide To Subsidized And Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans
If you need student loans to pay for school, the first loan types you should consider are federal direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans. They’re typically the lowest-cost student loan option, and subsidized loans in particular have the most generous repayment... -
5 Smart Things To Do With Extra Student Loan Forbearance
Shortly after his inauguration, President Joe Biden signed an executive order extending the Covid-19 forbearance on federal student loans to at least Sept. 30. That means borrowers with most federal student loans—excluding older Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and... -
How College Students Can Get An Emergency Covid-19 Grant
If you’re a college student dealing with new expenses due to Covid-19-related changes at your school, a one-time Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant could help. Congress initially made these funds available in March 2020 through the first coronavirus... -
New York Times Columnist Ron Lieber Shares College Savings Guidance In New Book
This week, journalist Ron Lieber—who has written the “Your Money” personal finance column for The New York Times since 2008—releases his new book, “The Price You Pay for College.” Lieber combines his decades of experience exploring and writing about higher... -
Biden Stimulus Plan Includes No Student Loan Forgiveness. Is Help Still On The Way?
For student loan borrowers, 2020 was an unprecedented year, but 2021 could bring with it even more striking changes. In response to the Covid-19 crisis, federal student loan borrowers received a government-mandated pause on their payments starting last March, which... -
5 Big FAFSA Changes Are Coming
Several major federal financial aid reforms made their way into Congress’ 2021 appropriations bill, signed by President Trump and made law late last year. But you’d be forgiven for missing them. The bill funded the government through September 2021 and... -
Fewer High School Seniors Are Submitting The FAFSA. Here’s Why That’s A Problem
Every year on Oct. 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, opens for business. It’s the form that high school seniors and current college students must fill out to be eligible for federal financial aid,... -
56% Of Americans Support Plan To Cancel Student Loan Debt
President-Elect Joe Biden is under pressure from some Democratic members of Congress to sign an executive order canceling a portion of federal student loan borrowers’ debt once he’s in office. A new survey by YouGov for Forbes Advisor shows that... -
5 Important Tips For How To Retire Abroad
This story is part of a series about Americans living abroad. If there’s a particular topic or question you’d like us to write about, email us at editors@forbesadvisor.com. As you plan for retirement, the best way to stay active, healthy... -
What To Know About Credit As An Expat
This story is part of a series about Americans living abroad. If there’s a particular topic or question you’d like us to write about, email us at editors@forbesadvisor.com. Part of the allure of moving to a new country is shedding... -
Can You Get Student Loan Forgiveness? Check This List
The average student loan borrower had $35,620 in total student loan debt as of the second quarter of 2019, according to the most recent data from credit reporting agency Experian. But thanks to the range of debt forgiveness programs available,... -
Here’s What The Next School Year Will Look Like At U.S. Colleges
The coronavirus has decimated jobs, spawned a recession and stalled global travel. Now, U.S. colleges and universities are releasing their plans for on-campus and remote learning for the 2020-21 school year. The takeaway? After an unsettling spring semester, all colleges will continue to look... -
How To Get A Private Student Loan
To get a private student loan, you must apply directly through a non-federal lender—such as a bank, credit union or online-only entity—and meet their borrowing requirements. Nonprofit organizations, state agencies and colleges also make private student loans. In nearly all cases,... -
What To Know About Your Student Loan Servicer
When you take out a student loan, it’s often the case that you’ll communicate with, and make payments to, a company that’s different from the lender you borrowed from. That company is called your student loan servicer, and it’s contracted... -
Personal Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Payments
A personal loan is an installment loan that can help borrowers meet a wide range of goals, including consolidating debt and covering big purchases. When you take out a personal loan, you’ll receive a lump sum that you’ll pay back... -
Auto Loan Payment Calculator
Auto loans are a type of installment loan that split a car purchase into monthly payments over a period of years, which can make a new or used car more affordable. Auto loan terms typically run from 36 to 96... -
Which Banks Are Accepting Paycheck Protection Program Loan Applications?
The federal Paycheck Protection Program was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help businesses cover payroll and other expenses while they’re affected by the spread of the coronavirus. Eligible businesses can qualify... -
Income-Driven Student Loan Repayment Plans: What You Need To Know
Related: Student Loan Refinancing Rates From Up To 10 Lenders As a federal student loan borrower, you’ll automatically be placed on the standard repayment plan if you don’t choose an alternative when you leave school. This plan requires fixed monthly...
Private Student Loan Rates: October 4, 2021—Loan Rates Move Down
Student Loan Refinance Rates: October 4, 2021—Loan Rates Drop
What Is the FAFSA?
How To Apply For Financial Aid Using The FAFSA
Best Low-Interest Student Loans Of October 2021
Best Nursing School Loans Of October 2021
Best Bar Exam Study Loans Of October 2021
Best Student Loan Refinancing Lenders For Parents Of October 2021
Best Student Loans For Bad Credit Of October 2021
Best Medical School Loans Of October 2021
Best Student Loans Without A Co-Signer Of October 2021
Best Graduate Student Loans Of October 2021
Best International Student Loans Of October 2021
Best Parent Student Loans Of October 2021: Parent PLUS And Private Options
Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Of October 2021
Best Private Student Loans Of October 2021
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 27, 2021—Loan Rates Move Down
Private Student Loan Rates: September 27, 2021—Loan Rates Increase
Private Student Loan Rates: September 20, 2021—Loan Rates Edge Down
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 20, 2021—Loan Rates Drop
Private Student Loan Rates: September 16, 2021—Loan Rates Move Up
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 13, 2021—Loan Rates Edge Up
Student Loan Refinance Rates: September 7, 2021—Loan Rates Slip
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 30, 2021—Loan Rates Edge Up
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 23, 2021—Loan Rates Remain Unchanged
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 16, 2021—Loan Rates Move Up
Student Loan Refinance Rates: Aug, 9, 2021—Loan Rates Fall
Student Loan Refinance Rates: August 2, 2021—Loan Rates Decrease
What Is An Income Share Agreement?
Can You File Bankruptcy On Student Loans?
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 26, 2021—Loan Rates Jump Up
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 19, 2021—Loan Rates Slip
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 12, 2021—Loan Rates Don’t Move
Student Loan Refinance Rates: July 8, 2021—Loan Rates Jump Up
Covid-19 Policies On College Campuses: What To Know For Fall 2021
How Does Transferring Colleges Affect Student Loans?
Here’s What We Know About President Biden’s Free Community College Plan
How To Avoid The Most Costly College Savings Mistakes
Here’s The Current Status Of President Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plans
How To Compare Financial Aid Offers In The Age Of Covid-19
How High School Students Can Maximize Merit-Based College Financial Aid
5 College Application And Enrollment Trends To Watch For In Fall 2021
How New Secretary Of Education, Miguel Cardona, Could Impact Higher Education
Defrauded Students Could See $1 Billion In Student Loan Debt Cancelled
Student Loan Refinance Calculator: Estimate Your Payments
Student Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Payments
What The New Stimulus Package Means For Student Loan Forgiveness
How Much Financial Aid Will I Get?
Federal Vs. Private Student Loans: 8 Differences
Your Guide To Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
How Much Should You Save For Your Child’s College Education?
Forbes Guide To Subsidized And Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans
5 Smart Things To Do With Extra Student Loan Forbearance
How College Students Can Get An Emergency Covid-19 Grant
New York Times Columnist Ron Lieber Shares College Savings Guidance In New Book
Biden Stimulus Plan Includes No Student Loan Forgiveness. Is Help Still On The Way?
5 Big FAFSA Changes Are Coming
Fewer High School Seniors Are Submitting The FAFSA. Here’s Why That’s A Problem
56% Of Americans Support Plan To Cancel Student Loan Debt
5 Important Tips For How To Retire Abroad
What To Know About Credit As An Expat
Can You Get Student Loan Forgiveness? Check This List
Here’s What The Next School Year Will Look Like At U.S. Colleges
How To Get A Private Student Loan
About
Brianna McGurran is the Loans Analyst for Forbes Advisor. Most recently, she was a staff writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet, where she wrote "Ask Brianna," a financial advice column syndicated by the Associated Press. As spokesperson, she also contributed her expertise to outlets including The New York Times, ABC World News Tonight and the Today Show.