How to apply for federal student loans: Compare the different types, loan limits, and more

If you've started researching colleges, you'll notice that most schools have one thing in common: They're expensive. For a single year at an in-state public college, the average student will need $30,990, while those attending private schools will pay $65,470 annually, according to the College Board. Few families have enough money saved to cover that cost, which is why so many students end up taking out student loans. Nearly half of bachelor’s degree recipients graduated with student loan debt during the ...