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If you’re considering in vitro fertilization, or IVF, out-of-pocket costs may be one of your major concerns.

The average cost of one IVF cycle in the United States is around $10,000 to $15,000, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology . That doesn’t include the cost of medications, fertility testing, and procedures that may be necessary to ensure the success of IVF. And, most patients undergo multiple IVF cycles.

The total cost for IVF treatment can be daunting for many would-be parents. However, there may be ways to lower your out-of-pocket expenses, including insurance coverage for some procedures and medications, discount programs, grants, and financing.

Read on for a closer look at how much you can expect to pay for IVF treatment, plus strategies to help make this treatment more affordable.

How Much Does IVF Actually Cost?

While a fertility clinic may charge $10,000 to $15,000 for one IVF cycle, that number does not include the cost of add-on (often necessary) procedures. The total bill from a fertility clinic for a cycle may more likely fall between $15,000 and $20,000.

Keep in mind that the clinic’s fee likely won’t include medications, including the price of the injectable hormones (which can run anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000-plus). You typically pay for these costs directly to the pharmacy filling the prescription.

Other addition fees you may have to cover include:

•   Donor sperm ($300 to $1,600)

•   Fertility assessment ($250 to $500)

•   Semen analysis ($200 to $250)

Does Insurance Cover IVF?

Many insurers offer at least some coverage for fertility treatments. Certain states have laws that require employers to provide fertility benefits. However, which treatments must be covered and who qualifies for coverage is different from state to state. Also, small employers are often exempt from these laws.

It can be a good idea to reach out to your insurer before beginning treatment and to make sure you understand exactly what is — and is not — covered. Some questions you may want to consider asking include:

•   Which fertility treatments are covered?

•   Will I have to pay for initial treatments out of pocket until infertility is determined?

•   Are initial consultations at a fertility clinic covered and, if so, how many? Knowing this can help you decide if you want to visit several clinics before choosing one.

•   Is diagnostic testing covered? Some policies might not cover IVF, but do cover blood work and ultrasound monitoring.

•   Are medications covered? If so, you may also want to find out if they need to be filled at a specific pharmacy.

•   Do I have to first try intrauterine insemination (IUI) or spend a certain number of months trying to conceive before qualifying for IVF?

•   Is there a cap on my coverage — such as a limit on total cost or number of cycles?

Recommended: Beginner’s Guide to Health Insurance

How to Pay for IVF

While the high price tag for IVF can be off-putting, there are ways to make IVF more affordable, along with several different IVF financing options you may want to consider. Below are a few strategies to help pay for IVF.

Working with your clinic. Many fertility clinics offer payment and financing options to help make IVF more affordable. Some also have refund programs, in which you pay a set fee for treatment (maybe $20,000 to $30,000) and the clinic will refund part of your money if you don’t get pregnant after three or four IVF cycles. Some clinics even have lotteries for free cycles or money to use toward a cycle.

Tapping family for help. It can be helpful to talk to close family members about your situation, fertility treatment plans, and the costs involved. If they’re in a position to help, would-be grandparents might be happy to gift money knowing that it is to be used for fertility expenses.

Enrolling in a clinical study. You could possibly qualify for an IVF clinical study, which can reduce the cost of treatment. One good place to start your search is ClinicalTrials.gov .

Applying for a grant. A number of nonprofit organizations, such as Baby Quest and the Starfish Infertility Foundation , offer grants and scholarships to those who cannot afford to pay for IVF. Qualifying for a grant may be based on various factors, including income and location.

Taking out a loan. While some fertility patients use credit cards or cash out a retirement account to pay for IVF, taking out a personal loan can sometimes be a better option. A personal loan can be used for almost any expense, including IVF, and typically comes with a lower interest rate than credit cards.

Using an FSA or HSA. Putting funds into a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings plan (HSA) can help make IVF treatments more affordable.

Making a Financial Plan

Once you have compiled information about costs and coverage, you may want to take some time to set both treatment and financial goals.

It can be easy to get caught up in the immediate needs of fertility treatments, but taking a moment to think about big-picture financial goals can help you keep things in perspective and provide a roadmap in the event that a pivot is needed.

For example, you may want to discuss with your partner how many IUIs you might have before moving on to IVF, as well as how home many IVF cycles you will want to do before considering other steps, such as using a sperm or egg donor or using a surrogate, or when/if you might consider fostering or adoption.

Each step in the fertility treatment process can cost money and having a rough roadmap of what you’re considering can help you budget for the costs.

The Takeaway

IVF treatments can be expensive, but there are strategies aspiring parents can use to manage the costs. These include understanding (and maximizing) your health insurance benefits, looking to family for help, applying for a grant or a clinical trial, tapping health savings accounts, and taking advantage of financing plans offered through your fertility center.

Another way to help pay for these costs is to take out a personal loan. Some lenders actually offer personal loans specifically for this purpose, called IVF loans.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Choosing to adopt a child is an exciting milestone in life, but it’s also one that takes a lot of planning and effort. Future adoptive parents can opt for either a domestic adoption or international adoption, but there are a lot of differentiating factors that may influence the decision.

If you’re considering adoption, you’ll want to understand the distinctions between domestic and international adoptions, from the process and timeline to the costs involved, so you can decide what’s best for you.

The Domestic Adoption Process

One of the major advantages of choosing a domestic adoption is that you have the potential to adopt a newborn. However, the timeline is not set in stone and may depend on whether you opt for an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Most domestic adoptions are considered at least “semi-open.”

Depending on the agency you work with, you may need to be chosen by a birth mother based on your profile. Once you’re selected, the timing depends on the expected (and actual) due date. The process usually takes a few months. Typically, you get access to the child’s medical records as well as the birth mother’s family history.

An open adoption also allows some contact and conversations with the birth mother before the baby is born. In a semi-open adoption, personally revealing information is withheld between the adoptive parents and the birth mother.

Once the baby is born and you officially adopt the child, the adoption agency may facilitate sending updates to the birth mother, as well as pictures so she can see the baby is well taken care of.

Domestic Adoption Eligibility Requirements

American adoption requirements vary by state and by the adoption agency you choose to work with. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, and there’s often a minimum age difference required between you and the child.

Most states allow domestic adoptions regardless of marital status; parents can be married, single, divorced, or widowed and still qualify.

Explore your state and city adoption websites for more details on additional requirements unique to your area.

The International Adoption Process

International adoption, thanks to rules and clearances, typically will not involve a newborn, so you’ll need to be open to welcoming an older baby or toddler to your home.

With international adoption, there are issues that could affect your ability to adopt, even in the middle of the process. New international laws and relations between the United States and other countries have the potential to derail families who are in the middle of an adoption. The process varies by country but typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 years.

While you can find out about the child’s medical history, you likely won’t know anything about the family history. Once you adopt a child from abroad, you won’t have any contact with the birth family.

International Adoption Eligibility Requirements

Each country has its own eligibility requirements for adoptive parents, which are typically much stricter than domestic requirements. Often you’ll need to meet income requirements, which may include a higher amount if you already have children. Some countries also have net worth requirements.

In addition, you may discover that some countries restrict the type of families that are allowed to adopt from there. For example, some only offer adoption to married couples or single women.

These rules vary by country, and there are some countries, such as Colombia, that allow single men and same-sex partners to adopt.

International vs Domestic Adoption Costs

The costs vary greatly with both international and domestic adoptions, but the common thread is that it can be expensive if you’re not adopting a foster child.

For international adoptions, expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the country.

In South Korea, for example, adoptions may cost between $32,000 – $38,000. In China, the range is $35,000 to $40,000. Adoptions from India may span $21,000 to $25,000.

Choosing an international adoption also requires you to travel to the country (often more than once) in advance of actually adopting your child.

Domestic adoptions through a private agency may cost between $30,000 and $60,000.

It is much less expensive, and potentially even free, to adopt through foster care. However, as a foster parent, your goal is to help reunite the child with the existing family. Adoption may become an option, but it is not the primary objective.

Recommended: Common Financial Mistakes First-Time Parents Make

Funding Options for Adoptions

Adoption costs are often out of reach for many U.S. families. But even if you can’t tap into your savings (or don’t want to), you can explore other options for funding your adoption.

Recommended: 5 Tips for Saving for a Baby

Employer Benefits

Some companies offer adoption assistance funds as part of their employee benefits packages. In addition, about 34% of employers offer paid adoption leave and 25% provide paid foster child leave. This provides flexibility to transition when a new family member arrives.

You may want to check with your HR department to make sure you don’t miss out any adoption benefits offered by your company.

Adoption Federal Tax Credit

The federal government provides some tax benefits for adoptions. First, if you use employer benefit funds to pay for the adoption, that money is excluded from your income so you don’t have to pay federal taxes on it.

The tax code also offers an adoption tax credit that can help offset some of the costs involved in adoption, whether you adopt for a domestic or international adoption. Qualified adoption expenses include things like adoption fees, legal costs, and travel expenses.

The tax credit amount changes every year, so it’s a good idea to talk to an accountant for more specifics.

There are income limits for qualifying for both the tax exclusion and credit.

Friends and Family

Many adoptive parents ask friends and family members for financial support when starting the adoption process. You could even start a crowdfunding campaign as a way for your broader community to donate to your adoption fund.

Hopeful parents may want to include a compelling personal story about the path to adoption to help draw in potential donors from their community.

Just remember that if you use a crowdfunding platform, you generally have to pay fees taken out of the money you’ve raised. This usually ranges from 3% to 8% when including both fundraising fees and processing fees.

Recommended: New Parent’s Guide to Setting Up a Will

Personal Loan

Another option for financing your domestic or international adoption is with an unsecured personal loan.

This type of loan typically comes with a fixed interest rate and repayment period, which allows you to make a set monthly payment over a set number of years.

You’ll need good credit to qualify for the best interest rates. Lenders may also take your debt-to-income ratio into consideration. You may qualify for a larger loan amount if your existing debt is low compared to your monthly income.

Sometimes referred to as an adoption loan, the proceeds from this type of loan can be used for just about anything. That means not just the agency and legal fees but also soft costs like travel and meals, which can get expensive if you’re adopting from abroad.

The Takeaway

Choosing to adopt a child can be life-changing, but an international or domestic adoption usually carries a high price tag. Fortunately, with tax benefits and funding options available, you can worry less about how to pay for all of the costs associated with the process and focus more on the joy of growing your family.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Now that remote and hybrid work have become the new normal, you may find yourself spending a fair amount of time in your home office. Is it up to snuff?

Ideally, you want your home office to both inspire your creativity and allow you to get down to business. Unfortunately, many of us are still working from cramped, messy, and makeshift at-home work spaces.

If your home office space could use some sprucing, read on. Here are 10 simple makeover ideas that can transform a drab at-home work area into a well-organized and stimulating work space.

1. Refreshing the Home Office

For those lucky enough to have a dedicated home office space, it may be time to give that area a little refresh. Even though corporate office spaces tend to be a little drab, a home office doesn’t have to be.

Painting a home office a cheery color and making the space feel homey with the addition of a couch, a rug, or pictures on the walls will make a home office a welcoming place to spend your working hours.

Of course, a home office needs to be practical, too. Finding an organization system to keep office supplies and files neatly stored will provide some much needed peace of mind during busy work days.

When setting up a home office, it can be helpful to think about what systems were appealing in the workplace and which were more of a hindrance. Customizing the space to fit personal preferences and needs is one of the perks of working from home.

2. Taking Over the Guest Bedroom

For those who don’t have a separate room to dedicate to a home office, it can be tricky to strike a clear balance between work and play. Working in the bedroom or on the family room couch can make it difficult to mentally separate work time from personal time.

A guest bedroom can be an ideal spot in the home to add a desk. The space is likely unused most days of the year and you can easily shut the door during the workday when you need privacy. You can also shut the door after a long day of work when you need to feel like you are at home and not at work. Out of sight, out of mind.

A guest bedroom may also be easy to keep tidy, as most members of the household probably don’t spend too much time in that room of the house.

Recommended: 13 Work From Home Jobs With Flexible Hours for Moms

3. Renovating the Garage

If a guest bedroom isn’t an option, a garage may be an ideal space to build a home office. This project may require renovations, but this space feels very separate from the rest of the home, which can be appealing.

Adding flooring, installing heating and cooling systems, and adding lighting — task and ambient — may go a long way towards making this space both comfortable and functional. A coat of paint in a color that promotes productivity might help, too.

4. Rethinking Your Desk

For homeowners with a big family or apartment renters who are embracing the studio lifestyle, it might be hard to squeeze in another large piece of furniture. A kitchen table or dining room table can serve double duty and provide plenty of space to spread out.

If multiple members of the household are working from home, this large space can even act as a coworking space of sorts. After all, bumping into a loved one in the break room (aka the kitchen) might be a nice surprise during a stressful workday.

The key to making this work is to make this “office” portable. Having a tote bag or storage box to stash any work supplies at the end of the day will be ideal when it’s time to eat dinner. Finding ways to remove those work vibes from a personal space is important for fostering good work-life balance.

Recommended: 32 Inexpensive Ways to Refresh Your Home Room by Room

5. The Right Support

No matter what place in the home you decide to make your workspace, it’s important to have supportive seating. Having the right chair can make all the difference, and in many cases function is much more important than aesthetics.

Having a chair that was specifically designed to provide proper back and neck support during long work days is key.

An ergonomic chair that includes features such as adjustable height, tilt control, lumbar support, and solid padding can all make the workday a bit more comfortable.

6. Setting the Scene

While having the right tools — desk, chair, computer, etc. — is important to building a successful home office, working in the right atmosphere is important, too. Spending the first 10 minutes of the workday setting the scene can be a major game changer.

For those working from home while other members of the household are working, attending virtual school, or simply existing loudly (hello, adorable but noisy babies), creating an appropriate workplace atmosphere may lead to better focus and productivity.

Start by giving the workspace a little spruce and clear out any unnecessary clutter. Put on some light background music that isn’t distracting (think classical or nature sounds) to block out any unwanted noise. Write a to-do list that prioritizes tasks for the day.

Recommended: 20 Renter Friendly House Updates

7. Being Zoom Ready

Having a space that is appropriate for video calls is essential for looking professional at home. Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams calls don’t have to take place at a desk if the background isn’t ideal. Present your best self in a quiet spot in the home with good lighting and a clean background.

8. Getting Inspired

In an ideal world, all workspaces would inspire workers, allowing them to feel creative. One of the advantages of working from home is the ability to have more control over the surroundings, making it an inspiring, creative workspace.

Decorating the space in your favorite colors; adding photos of loved ones, favorite vacations, or hobbies; incorporating a vision board; or keeping a brainstorming journal at the ready are some ways to make the environment one where there is room for creativity and inspiration.

9. Adding a Standing Desk

In your home office, you make the rules. If you don’t want to sit for eight hours a day — who can blame you? — using a standing desk or adding a standing desk converter is a good way to incorporate some movement into the workday.

10. A Room with a View

Last but not least, setting up a home office to take advantage of any pleasant views might bring some peace, calm, and inspiration into the space. Facing a desk towards a window, French doors, or any other space in the home that has a view of the outdoors or even just greenery in another part of the home can be stress reducing.

The Takeaway

While some employers might offer stipends or reimbursements for setting up a home office properly, many employees may have to foot the bill themselves. This expense can be worthwhile, but may not be one that many workers planned for.

For those who need help financing that new home office space or purchasing furniture, there are a few options that may be worth considering.

One option that can work well for a small to midsize project (like a home office renovation) is a home improvement loan. This is essentially an unsecured personal loan that is used for home repairs or upgrades. You receive a lump sum up front which you can use to fix up or refurbish your home office; you then repay the loan over a set term (often five to seven years) with regular monthly payments. Interest rates are typically fixed.

If you’re interested in exploring your personal loan options, SoFi could help. SoFi’s home improvement loans offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

​​Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Student loans are meant to be used to pay for your education and related expenses so that you can earn a college degree. Even if you have access to additional student loan money, it doesn’t mean you should use it on nonessential living expenses.

By learning the answer to, “What can you use a student loan for?” you will make better use of your money and ensure you’re in a more stable financial situation post-graduation.

5 Things You Can Use Your Student Loans to Pay For

Here are five things you can spend your student loan funds on.

1. Tuition and Fees

The first thing your student loans are intended to cover is your college tuition and fees. The average college tuition and fees for a private institution is $37,641 per year, while the average for a public, out-of-state school is $27,279 per year, and a public, in-state school is $9,377 per year.

2. Books and Supplies

Beyond tuition and fees, student loans can be used to purchase textbooks and supplies, such as a laptop, notebooks and pens, and a backpack. You may be able to save money by purchasing used textbooks online or by renting textbooks instead of purchasing them.

3. Housing Costs

Your student loans can be used to pay for your housing costs, whether you live in a dormitory or off-campus. If you live off-campus, you can put your loans toward paying for related expenses, such as your utility bill. Compare the costs of on-campus vs. off-campus housing, and consider getting a roommate to help cover the costs of living off-campus.

4. Transportation

If you have a car on campus or you need to take public transportation to get to school, work, or your internships, you can use your student loans to pay for those costs. If you have a car, you may want to consider leaving it at home when you go away to school. Gas, maintenance, and a parking pass could end up costing much more than using public transportation and your school’s shuttle, which should be free.

5. Food

What else can you use student loans for? Food would qualify as a valid expense, whether you’re cooking meals at home or you’ve signed up for a meal plan. This doesn’t mean you should eat out at fancy restaurants all the time just because the money is there. Instead, you could save by cooking at home, splitting food costs with a roommate, and asking if local establishments have discounts for college students.

Recommended: 23 Tips on Saving Money Daily

5 Things Your Student Loans Should Not Cover

Now that you know what student loans can be used for, you’re likely wondering what they should not be used for. While your lender is not tracking your expenses, it’s not wise to use student loans for non-school related expenses. You will eventually have to pay this money back, with interest.

Here are five expenses that should not be covered with funds from your student loans.

1. Entertainment

Going to the movies, concerts, and bowling are all part of the college experience, but you should not use your student loans to pay for your entertainment. Your campus likely offers plenty of free and low-cost entertainment, such as sports games and movie nights, to pursue instead. You can also consider getting a job on campus to help pay for entertainment and fun.

2. Vacations

College is draining, and you deserve a vacation from the stress every once in a while. However, if you can’t afford to go on spring break or another type of trip out of your own pocket, then you should put it off at this time. It’s never a good idea to use your student loans to cover these expenses.

3. Gym Membership

You may have belonged to a gym at home before you went to college and you still want to keep up your membership there. You can, as long as you don’t use your student loans to cover it. Many colleges and universities have a gym or fitness center on campus that is available to students and included in the cost of tuition.

4. A New Car

Even if you need a new car, student loans cannot be used to buy a new set of wheels. Consider taking public transportation instead or buying a modest used car when you save up enough money.

5. Extra Food Costs

While you and your roommates may love pizza, it’s not a good idea to use your student loan money to cover that cost. You also shouldn’t take your family out to eat or dine out too much with that borrowed money. Stick to eating at home or in the dining hall, and only going out to eat every once in a while with your own money.

Student Loan Spending Rules

Your student loan refund — what’s left after your scholarships, grants, and loans are applied toward tuition, campus housing, fees, and other direct charges — isn’t money that’s meant to be spent willy-nilly. It’s meant for education-related expenses. If you don’t need the refund, it’s best to send it back to the loan servicer.

The amount of financial aid a student receives is based largely on each academic institution’s calculated “cost of attendance,” which may include factors like your financial need and your Student Aid Index, or SAI (formerly called the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC). Your cost of attendance minus your SAI generally helps determine how much need-based aid you’re eligible for. Eligibility for non-need-based financial aid is determined by subtracting all of the aid you’ve already received from your cost of attendance.

Recommended: What Is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?

Additionally, when you took out a student loan, you probably signed a promissory note that outlined what you’re supposed to be spending your loan money on. Those restrictions may vary depending on what kind of loan you received — federal or private, subsidized or unsubsidized. If the restrictions weren’t clear, it’s not a bad idea to ask your lender, “What can I use my student loan for?”

Alternatives to Using Student Loans

If you can’t pay for college on your own or you don’t have the luxury of someone paying for it for you, oftentimes you’ll have no choice but to rely on student loans to get you through. There’s nothing wrong with that; that’s what they’re there for! However, you may not need to cover all of your tuition and living expenses with loans. Here are some alternative ideas to help fund your college education:

Work Part-time While in School

While working and attending college is not easy, it’s possible. Roughly 40% of full-time undergraduate students maintain a job while in school, with 10% of those students working full-time hours in addition to a full class load. Working is a great way to reduce your student loan debt and pay for additional living expenses.

Recommended: Am I Eligible for Work-Study?

Apply for Scholarships

There are thousands of scholarships available for many different types of students, it’s just a matter of finding them. Putting in the time to find a scholarship, apply, and get awarded can save you thousands in tuition over the course of your college experience.

Attend a Community College

The best way to cut down on the cost of college and reduce your student loan debt is to choose a less expensive route, such as a community college or in-state institution. The average cost of community college is $5,155 per year for in-state students. Consider taking your prerequisites at your community college and then transferring to your in-state public university.

Refinancing Student Loans

If you’re interested in adjusting loan terms or securing a new interest rate, you could consider refinancing your student loans. Refinancing can allow qualifying borrowers to secure a lower interest rate or more preferable terms, which could potentially save them money over the long run. Refinancing federal loans eliminates them from all federal borrower benefits and protections, including deferment options and the ability to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness, so it’s not the right choice for all borrowers.

The Takeaway

Student loans are intended to be used to pay for qualifying educational expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, supplies, transportation, and food. Expenses like entertainment, vacations, cars, and fancy dinners cannot generally be paid for using student loans.

If you already have student loans and are looking to lower your monthly payment, refinancing may be one way to do it – by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. And lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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With the rising price of tuition, fees, and room and board at four-year public colleges and private nonprofit institutions, more students in all income brackets have been taking out loans.

If you’re wondering where to get a student loan for college, you have two options. The first is getting a federal student loan through the government. Federal student loans account for more than 93% of all student loan debt. The second option is a private student loan, which is given by a bank, credit union, or online lender. Private student loans are not based on need, but rather your college’s cost of attendance, your credit profile, and your income (or your cosigner’s income).

Prioritizing a Plan

When creating a plan to fund college education, it can make good sense to first explore any avenues for free money in the form of grants and scholarships.

By taking a look at the remaining balance after any free money has been found, exploring federal loans can be a smart next step. They come with income-based repayment options and the ability to request loan forgiveness under some circumstances. There are also work-study programs that can help students earn money while attending college.

If all needs are not covered, then there are private student loans to consider, along with Direct PLUS Loans that parents can apply for to get funds for their children.

After that, some people may seek out personal loans to cover living expenses while in school and/or emergency loans from the college.

Here are more specifics about these options.

Where to Get a Federal Student Loan

When the funding for college comes from the federal government, then—as the name indicates—that’s considered a federal student loan. To obtain any kind of federal student loan, a student must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called the FAFSA®. Here are tips on how to fill out the FAFSA®.

After filling out this form, a student will have insights into what federal funding is available for them, along with work-study options. More specifically, each school that a student applies to can send a financial aid offer letter, which includes information about how to apply for student loans that they qualify for.

Two broad types of federal loans are:

•   Direct subsidized loans: These are for undergraduates with financial need.

•   Direct unsubsidized loans: These are available for undergraduate students, as well as graduate and professional ones, that do not demonstrate financial need.

A key difference between the two types involves the interest on the loan. With a subsidized loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest when a qualifying student is attending school at least half time, as well as during a six-month grace period when the student graduates, withdraws, or reduces to less than part-time. This can also apply if the loan goes into deferment, meaning when loan payments are postponed. With an unsubsidized loan, the student is responsible for paying the interest.

Where to Get a Private Student Loan

A variety of financial institutions offer private student loans and have their own criteria for qualification. Some allow students to apply online and can give quick responses, while others go a more traditional route with in-person applications.

Private lenders will typically review a student’s income, plus that of any cosigner, along with credit histories and more to make lending decisions. A lender might grant a private student loan to someone whose credit isn’t stellar, but charge a higher interest rate.

When applying for a private student loan, it’s important to understand the loan terms before signing the note. This includes the interest rate and whether the rate is fixed (staying the same over the life of the loan, with the principal and interest payments also staying the same) or variable. If a loan is variable, how much can the rate change? How often? What is the term of the loan?

Recommended: Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans

Benefits of private student loans can include the following:

•   They can bridge the gap between what is owed after federal student loans are applied to the balance and what is needed to attend college.

•   Students can apply for them any time of the year, without the strict deadlines associated with federal loans.

•   Borrowers may have more choices in interest rates and terms.

•   The loans may not include origination fees or prepayment fees, although that isn’t universally true.

Potential cons can include these:

•   It isn’t unusual for a private lender to require a cosigner because college students often don’t have enough income to qualify or have established a good enough credit profile to get the loan on their own.

•   Students who are considered a higher credit risk may pay more in interest.

•   Private student loans don’t come with many of the benefits associated with federal loans, such as forgiveness programs and income-based repayment plans.

•   Students may borrow more than they can ultimately afford, and these loans are typically not dischargeable in bankruptcy proceedings.

Check out this Guide to Private Student Loans for more information on funding your education through a financial lender.

Parent PLUS Loans and More

Parent PLUS Loans

When asking “Where is the best place to get a student loan?” also consider the Parent PLUS Loan, in which parents can apply for federal funding to help their children attend college.

Eligibility for a Parent PLUS Loan isn’t based on financial need, but credit is checked. If applicants have a credit history that’s considered “adverse,” they “must meet additional requirements to qualify.”

So, what does “adverse” mean? According to the Federal Student Aid office, this can include:

•   Having accounts that, in total, have an outstanding balance of more than $2,085 and are at least 90 days delinquent.

•   A default or a bankruptcy discharge during the previous five years.

•   Involvement in a foreclosure, repossession, or tax lien situation in the previous five years.

•   Write-off of federal student loan debt or wage garnishment during the past five years.

Qualifying parents of a dependent undergraduate student can receive funding through this loan program to cover education-related costs that are not covered by other financial aid.

Personal Loans

It’s also possible to apply for personal loans from financial institutions to cover living expenses during college or to address an emergency. There are downsides to this, though, including:

•   Interest rates will likely be higher than student loans, along with shorter payoff periods (which means principal and interest payments can be higher).

•   There isn’t typically a grace period, which means repayment starts right away.

•   These loans don’t come with deferments or forbearance, as can be available through federal student loans.

Emergency Loans

In an emergency, a student might want to reach out to the college financial aid center to see if the school offers emergency loans for those in need. These loans would not typically be large, perhaps $1,000 to $1,500, but might be enough to address a dire situation.

Each college has its own guidelines, so check them out carefully. Some charge interest; others may not. Some may charge a service fee; others may not. As with personal loans, repayment may start immediately, so factor that into budget planning.

Private Student Loans at SoFi

To help students who decide that private student loans should play a role in their funding mix for college, SoFi offers private student loans.

Students should take advantage of federal student aid opportunities first. Then, when private loans make sense, SoFi offers them with no fees and flexible repayment options to fit a range of budgets.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


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