Direct student loans, provided by the U.S. Department of Education, are a cornerstone of federal financial aid, offering students a way to fund their education without the need for private lenders.

Federal student loans come in two main flavors, and the difference between them can quietly add thousands of dollars to the cost of a degree. Understanding how subsidized and unsubsidized loans work, ...

The cost of college — including tuition, housing, textbooks and other fees — adds up for families. However, students are often eligible for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study or ...

The Treasury Department will take over the management of student loans whose borrowers are in default, according to a new agreement announced Thursday. The U.S. Education Department's handing off ...