Paying the Bill & Borrowing Toolkit
Your Guide to Managing College Costs and Smart Borrowing
Parent PLUS Loan rates have are just under 9% for all borrowers, plus a 4% origination fee. For some, private loans will be a better option. If you have good credit, you can get rates starting under 5% with no fees. Below is our guide to help you take the right steps in choosing your best loan option. We always recommend starting by taking utilizing the Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL). Be sure to scroll for step-by-step instructions.
Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Student Loan in 2025:
Step 1: Apply through College Ave to get your rate.
- Apply in 3 Minutes
- Soft Credit Pull
- Reputation for rewarding high FICO scores
Step 2: Apply through Sofi Student Loans to get your rate.
- Apply in minutes
- Soft Credit Pull
- Reputation for rewarding high FICO scores
Step 3: Apply through Ascent Student Loans to get your rate
- Apply in minutes
- Soft Credit Pull
- Updated Lowering Pricing/Rates as of July 1, 2025.
Step 4: Compare your private rates to Federal PLUS & State Programs (Massachusetts , Rhode Island, Iowa)
Follow these steps above and you'll get a view of the loan rates and terms available to your family so you make an informed, thoughtful borrowing decision.
Featured Lender Spotlight
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- Cover up to 100% of school costs in under 3 minutes
- Quick and easy funding for your education.
- Customer Service Team Just for College Aid Pro
- Dedicated Email: capsupport@ascentfunding.com
- Dedicated Phone Line: 877.685.5780
- No Fees
- No origination fees, no late fees—just simple, transparent terms.
- Auto-Pay Discount
- .5% discount when selecting auto-pay
- 100% Covered
- SoFi covers all school-certified costs—yes, everything is taken care of.
- No Fees
- No origination fees, no late fees, and no insufficient funds fees. Simple, clear, and fee-free.
- Save Money
- Save even more with a 0.25% rate discount for autopay and an additional 0.125% off for multiple loans supporting multiple kids in college.
- Cosign with Confidence
- After 12 on-time payments, students can apply to release cosigners from the loan.
- Up to 100% of college expenses covered
- Fully cover your education costs.
- No application, processing, or late fees
- No hidden fees—just clear terms.
- Find your rate in minutes
- Check your rate with no impact on your credit score.
- In-School Default Protection
- Only Abe offers this valuable feature for students.
Walkthrough: Loan Entrance Counseling
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Contact Us:
✉️ support@collegeaidpro