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Student Loans by State
Federal vs. private student loan guidance — and state-by-state resources for borrowers navigating aid programs, FAFSA, and repayment options.
What to know before you compare
Student loan options vary by state: many states run their own student loan authority programs, scholarship databases, and state-specific financial aid programs layered on top of federal Direct Loans. The state pages below surface the aid context specific to each state.
For lender comparisons — private origination, refinance, and parent-loan products — see the student loan buying guides at /loans/student. Federal loan details and repayment plan options are published by the U.S. Department of Education at studentaid.gov. Scored against ClearValue's published methodology. Updated September 2026.
The scale of this market is why state-level navigation matters: the Federal Reserve's G.19 consumer credit report put total student loan debt — federal Direct/FFEL/Perkins balances plus private loans without a government guarantee — at $1.86 trillion in loans outstanding as of June 2026. State authority programs and scholarship databases are aimed at that federal-first sequencing: exhaust free/federal aid before taking on private balances.
Frequently asked questions
Do states have their own student loan programs?+
Yes. Many states operate a student loan authority or higher-education finance agency that offers state-sponsored loans, refinancing programs, or scholarship programs layered on top of federal Direct Loans. Availability, eligibility, and terms vary significantly by state. State programs are typically accessed through the state's higher-education agency website; studentaid.gov covers only federal loan programs.
What is FAFSA and why does it matter?+
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the federal form that determines eligibility for federal grants (Pell), federal loans, and work-study programs. Many states also use FAFSA data to award state financial aid. Filing FAFSA — even if you think you won't qualify for grants — unlocks federal loan eligibility and keeps more options open. If you're consolidating existing federal loans instead, see how to consolidate federal student loans. The deadline varies by state for state aid; the federal deadline is June 30 after the award year.
Should you exhaust federal loans before taking private student loans?+
Generally yes. Federal loans come with income-driven repayment options, deferment, forbearance, and forgiveness paths that private loans typically cannot match. Private loans become relevant mainly to cover funding gaps after federal limits are reached, or to refinance high-rate balances for borrowers comfortable trading away federal protections. See our private lender comparisons for options.